Napster has joined the ranks of companies trying to compete with Apple’s iTunes by offering MP3 music downloads.
The file format change will apply only to single tracks and album purchases, according tothe company. Tracks downloaded as part of the company’s music subscription service will continue to be DRM’d.

“The ubiquity and cross-platform compatibility of MP3s should create a more level playing field for music services and hardware providers and result in greater ease of use and broader adoption of digital music,” Chris Gorog, Napster’s chairman and chief executive, said in a statement.

In other words, by offering MP3s, Napster has a chance of selling tracks to the largest group of portable media player owners, iPod users.