LAME
Ain't
Mp3
Encoding
Which, apparently it technically isn't!
...and worked out how to produce compatible audio files without infringing anyone's oh-so-important 'interlechul propertee'. Then not satisfied with that, they improved on it. They were way ahead of anyone else with VBR, indeed, some commercial encoders still can't do it...
Exactly. LAME is
not MP3.
The challenge was to develop a new independent codec that will play on MP3 equipment. Then, because MP3 is not a native VBR codec, making LAME VBR(which
is, by design, a variable-bit-rate codec) play back on MP3 players, was the real trick.
Essentially, making a superior software product function within an aging (no longer in active development) hardware/software environment.
Amazing, when you think of it...