] A new version of MP3 - the digital music format that
] kicked off the online music sharing revolution - is being
] developed that will include technology to stop
] unauthorised copying and sharing.
]
] The two companies that own the patents covering MP3,
] Thomson and Fraunhofer, are working on a new version that
] will incorporate so-called digital right management (DRM)
] technology.
]
] DRM can be used in conjunction with software and hardware
] players to limit the number of copies of a music file a
] user can make, or to prevent forwarding. As yet, however,
] it is unclear how the new protection system will work.
]
] "Eventually, digital distribution will be a significant
] mass market," Rocky Caldwell, director of technology
] marketing for Thomson, told CNET News. "We think it will
] be served well by [digital rights management] that is
] based on standards. No one else seems to be proposing
] that."

And this new form of mp3 is going to be REAL popular with users. Way to Shit it Up!

New Scientist