Net music downloads in the spotlight

All eyes are on the online music download space lately, as rock musician Tom Petty becomes the latest mainstream artist to embrace the controversial MP3 format. MP3 has won a lot of battles of late as momentum behind it has grown significantly, but the war is not over yet. Influential trade group the Recording Industry Association of America has put its Secure Digital Music Initiative in full swing, and powerful labels and technology firms are squarely in its court.

Tom Petty joins MP3 bandwagon The rock musician's new single is released for download at MP3.com. Search engine seeks MP3 A search engine company launches a specialty engine dedicated to the world of MP3, dubbed MP3meta. Music, tech meet on secure Net spec update The RIAA gathers music and technology industry leaders in the first organizational meeting for the Secure Digital Music Initiative and appoints a director.