Hi

Got a query - I've signed up and subscribed to Bloom for some new music on my iPhone, but I've found I can't plug my phone into my car dock to listen because of the mobile interference on the stereo (I usually use my iPod).

So I thought could I transfer the files somehow - I've located them in the phone, but they're all .blm - and not sure what to do with them. Is there anyway I can convert to mp3? (My usual converters didn't recognise them). After a bit of searching I understand that the file type is a sort of 'disguise' I presume to stop people doing this, but I can't really listen as I do most of mine in the car.

No worries if not, I just hoped there's might be a simple way to convert them. I'll just have to cancel the subscription and think of something else!

Thanks!

Ben

Have you tried duplicating a .blm file and then changing it manually to .mp3 to see if that works?

Yeah, I did try that as it was the first thing I though of, but doesn't seem to work... when you do a quick preview (space bar) it shows the time of track at the top, but in the progress bar it says 0.00.00. Doesn't open in iTunes either...

Have you tried playing with VLC, or another. http://file.downloadatoz.com/blm-file-extension/blm-player.html

I think I did try VLC, but I'll give it another go. I'll check that link also - thanks!

Alas, trusty VLC doesn't recognise the files... and none of those suggested on the link work either......

I would imagine that this is a form of DRM and as such you might be stuck with it.

I strongly suspect this is the case. Assuming you mean Bloom.fm then it clearly states that the tracks are "borrowed" and so would be protected against copying.

If it was trivial to convert them to mp3 then no one would keep the service for very long. It would be "pay £10, rip off all the music you can in a month".

If they become popular, then someone will probably hack it. As it is, hardly anyone seems to have actually heard of them.

I am simply not interested in a music subscription service. The free Spotify service has too many restrictions and £10 a month is too much simply to get rid of ads. I could listen to the BBC radio services to do that.

Yep - Bloom.fm. I'd assumed it was some kind of prevention of converting the files - I'd just hoped there might be an easy fix so I could listen to the tracks on the iPod instead. The iPhone just doesn't work in the car dock as it's wired into the FM arial and still picks up mobile interference. Maybe I need a new car with a built in iPod/iPhone dock...

Thanks anyway...

Bloom is quite interesting.. the concept of 'borrowing' tracks.... bit like a library in that you're limited to how many you can 'take' each month, but you can 'give back' to borrow more.

I guess if you had an iPod Touch you could just install the app on there? Expensive solution - though cheaper than a new car

No such luck. iPod classic. Need the room for my collection!