November 04, 2009

By By Andre Paine, London

Apple Corps and EMI Music are issuing the Beatles remasters on a limited edition apple-shaped USB drive in time for Christmas.

The release marks the first time Beatles catalog has officially been sold as digital files separate from the CDs. Vinyl versions of the reissues are expected soon.

Following the global 09/09/09 release of the digitally remastered albums and box sets, the limited edition USB of all the albums will be released on Dec. 7 in the U.K. and Dec. 8 in North America. The USB is available for pre-order at the online Beatles store, via the band's Web site, priced $279.99.

Limited to 30,000 units, the 16GB USB features 14 Beatles stereo releases as well as all of the re-mastered CDs' visual elements, including 13 mini-documentary films about the studio albums, replicated original U.K. album art, rare photos and expanded liner notes.

A specially designed Flash interface has been installed, and audio and visual contents will be provided in FLAC 44.1 Khz 24 bit and MP3 320 Kbps formats. The content is fully compatible with Mac and PC.

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