Latest music file could succeed the MP3

Norwegian technology company Bach is to launch a new digital music file which will have additional content including lyrics, news updates and images embedded.

The file, called MusicDNA, is touted as a successor to the MP3 file.

MusicDNA will only be available from legitimate sites, and is an attempt to counter piracy in the form of illegal downloads.

Essentially it is an MP3 player with extras, and can be downloaded onto fans’ computers, where it will be updated when labels, bands or retailers send out information. This might include future tour dates, interviews or updates to social networking pages.

If the file is downloaded illegally it will remain static and not receive these updates. Bach are willing to partner with retailers, rights holders and technology companies and will provide the technology to others for use under their own brands.

Bach also has outlets in Germany and China and partners with the German Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology.

The file can be used on any MP3 player, and in an interview with Reuters, Bach chief executive Stefan Kohlmeyer said: “The service would hark back to the time when music fans enjoyed looking at the lyrics and artwork on an album almost as much as they enjoyed listening to the music itself.”