With iTunes 7.2 installed on my Mac I decided to give iTunes Plus a whirl. iTunes Plus refers to the new DRM-free, unprotected music tracks (from EMI) that iTunes now offers. I was curious to see how iTunes would differentiate Plus and ol’ regular (protected and unprotected) songs and the promised “one-click” upgrade for EMI songs that you have previously bought.

Apple solves this with getting you to set a preference right at the beginning on whether you’d prefer to see iTunes Plus songs or the regular ones. If you choose the first option, iTunes will automatically show you DRM-free versions of songs where available, which also comes at a 30 cent premium of USD1.29.

The upgrade process is pretty straightforward as well. Clicking on the iTunes Plus link in the iTunes Store brings you to a page showing you only iTunes Plus content and a badge like the one on the right. Click See details and you’ll be shown a list of songs and albums that will be upgraded and the price you need to pay for that upgrade.

I didn’t have much time to play with it but first looks proved to be positive. Apple says that there are many other independent labels who will be implementing this feature soon and I’m looking forward to the day that the other major labels like Warner, Sony-BMG etc will sell DRM-free music too.

Related coverage

• Playlist: First Look: iTunes Plus
• TUAW Gallery of iTunes Plus
• myMacBUZZ » DRM-free music: What does it mean to me?
• myMacBUZZ » Set up an iTunes account in Malaysia