Apple has recently announced some major changes to its iPod and iPhone service. For the first time since the little devices changed how we listen to music and watch people listen to music (see above) they will start deviating from their $0.99 price plan. Songs will now be either $0.69, $0.99 or $1.29. While they didn't say what the criteria is to be priced any of the new prices, but one can assume newer and more popular music will be expensive while older songs will be cheaper.

But that's not even the biggest change. All their songs can now be upgraded to a DRM free format. DRM (Digital Rights Management) is the process wherein access control code embedded within the media prevents users from accessing the content on unauthorized PCs or media players. Basically it won't be tied to your account for playback. For $0.30 per song, or 30% of the album cost if you got 'em that way, you can upgrade them and by the end of March all songs in iTunes will be eligible for it.

And for the folks with iPhones and other compatable 3G enabled devices, you can preview and download full DRM free songs which will be automatically uploaded to your home computer the next time you sync up.