Apple Rolls Out iTunes Pass Program

Apple Tuesday introduced an iTunes Pass program, bringing to digital music downloads a concept already familiar to TV viewers.

The new program downloads to iTunes music and video content matching user specifications. The first example is a pass that keeps Depeche Mode fans up-to-date on the band’s latest creation.

While the $18.99 “Sounds of the Universe” Pass is about twice the price of the band’s $9.99 album, fans also receive an exclusive remix and other related content until June 16.

“iTunes Pass is a great way for artists to give exclusive music and video, on their own schedule, directly to their fans,” Eddy Cue, Apple Internet Services vice president, said in a Tuesday statement.

The iTunes Pass delivers DRM-free 256kbps AAC tunes and will notify members by e-mail when new items arrive or their pass is about to expire, according to Ars Technica.

The concept isn’t new. Microsoft introduced the Zune Pass. However, for a fee, the Redmond, Wash.-based company permits subscribers to keep 10 songs per month.