It has been officially announced that Apple’s iTunes will now be completely DRM-free. Apple signed a deal with Sony BMG, Universal and Warner to make it happen. This means that iTunes songs will not be limited to playing on Apple devices.

It has also been announced that a flexible pricing plan will be introduced – meaning you’ll pay more for premium, popular songs, and less for older, lesser-known songs. This is important for the record labels and musicians, who stand to make significant cash on hit songs and the download rush that follows. Flexible pricing was one of the roadblocks to DRM-free downloads in the first place. The structure will be $.69. $.99 and $1.29. Tracks from iTunes will also now be available for purchase over any 3G network.

Garage Band ’09 for Apple has been upgraded. Among other things, you can get some basic lessons on playing guitar and piano (9 for free, then $4.99), as well as clips of artists teaching you their songs, like Fall Out Boy, John Fogerty, Sting and Sarah McLachlan.

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