Apple & Labels Working on Improving Digital Albums

“Apple working on Digital Albums” “Mariah Carey, Diddy, Lil Wayne albums delayed”. As soon as I got those  two press releases in my inbox one thing went through my head, this all seems planned. Mariah Carey, Kid Cudi, Ameria all have had their albums recently delayed for release sometime in September, which Diddy and Lil Wayne yet to announce new dates. The significance in all this? Keep reading to find out.

September is also the month Apple is being pegged to release a new interactive iPod touch like tablet pc (concept illustration pictured above) with the same features as an iphone but a 10″ screen. At the same time, Apple and the 4 major labels (Universal, Warner , Sony, EMI) are working together in an attempt to improve full album sales.

Ever since the introduction of the iTunes store in 2003 of single song downloads, complete albums have taken a hit. Users are finding savings and satisfaction in purchasing the 2-3 songs they like on an new album rather then spending $7-$10 and not listening to over half of the music. Here’s what the enhanced albums are looking to include

The labels are attempting to revive the multi-track album format with new software that packages songs, traditional album liner notes, music videos, and other interactive extras as part of a premium-priced package.

The new interactive format, which could feature extras like interviews with the artist while making the album, would be sold at a higher price than digital albums now. Insiders said there is early evidence from current bundling experiments than fans are prepared to spend more for high quality content.

“Almost every time we’ve sold product with extras at a premium price it outsells the normal priced product,” said one label executive who asked not to be named while the companies are still in talks.

With this planned improvement in digital albums and the upcoming tablet pc from Apple, it is no surprise to see a few more labels delay artists albums a few weeks in hopes of increased profits and album sales. Time will only tell. Are you likely to spend a few more dollars for added music, interviews and enhanced content? For the right price I may be.