The end of DRM is near

[slackerinabox]

After this morning's big announcement we had to head over to get the other guy's take on the news. Microsoft was happy to oblige and furnish us with the usual boilerplate PR quote, including a very interesting bit on the future direction of DRM in the Zune.

Microsoft's response, specifically regarding the Apple / EMI announcement:
"Consumers have indicated [having DRM free music] is important to them so Zune has been working with a variety of partners to head in this direction. [Emphasis ours] This is a time of transition for the music industry and Microsoft is committed to striking a balance between delivering the best consumer experience while still protecting the rights of the content owners."

Microsoft's general response with regard to DRM:
"Regardless of the outcome of DRM for music downloads, DRM technologies will still have a key role in enabling businesses involving digital content. Subscription music services are a good example ? they use DRM to enable consumers to have unlimited access to literally millions of music tracks. Other areas include the delivery of high quality video content, such as movies. Our role continues to be to deliver flexible DRM technology that provides choice for the content owner in how they distribute their content and choice for the consumer so that they have access to a wide variety of high-quality content and ways to enjoy that content."

There you have it, ladies and gents. Microsoft is working behind the scenes to shake some of the DRM from the Zune.

Thanks for being a trend setter, Steve.

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212


Thanks for being a trend setter, Steve.

lol

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: Anubis

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212


Thanks for being a trend setter, Steve.

lol

Yep, my remark was meant with a bit of sarcasm, but he actually followed through with his rant from a few months ago. Sure, it's all for money but at least there's some corporate follow through.

 

[Safeway]

I thought Microsoft initially scoffed at the idea? Did Gates just realize that people want DRM-free music?

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: Safeway
I thought Microsoft initially scoffed at the idea? Did Gates just realize that people want DRM-free music?

No, he's just following Apple, after all the positive PR the EMI deal is getting.

But it's not a bad thing, in the end the consumer wins. A DRM/open media world benefits everyone, Microsoft including. They just didn't have the balls to go against the industry.

 

[doze]

translation ... if those guys are doing it then we can do it too

 

[PokerGuy]

I'd love to see DRM done away with, but I'm certain we will only see more and more restrictions and removal of fair use rights. Take a look at Blu-Ray and HD DVD ... both DRM riddled.

 

[randomlinh]

Umm... I thought gates had made the anti-DRM claim long ago, just not as blatant as steve? Either way, a push for no DRM from MS can't hurt.

Well, I hope it doesn't hurt, this can all be botched up if we start seeing DRM free music going up in price even more 🙁

 

[loup garou]

Actually, it was EMI's idea. They approached Apple with the idea of DRM-free tracks. Their catalog will be available at all other major online music stores as well. Hell, some may undercut Apple as well, since the $1.29 price was set by Apple marketeers.

 

[Kadarin]

"Consumers have indicated [having DRM free music] is important to them so Zune has been working with a variety of partners to head in this direction."

That's pretty weak, unless they can provide some specifics. Their general response with regard to DRM, on the other hand, does not mention anything about any desire to get rid of it.

 

[Luthien]

I hope this is true because in the end people will goto the websites offering music and videos DRM free even if they have to pay a little more which will push the market further away from DRM. I am amazed that DRM has lasted as long as it has.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212

Originally posted by: Anubis

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212


Thanks for being a trend setter, Steve.

lol

Yep, my remark was meant with a bit of sarcasm, but he actually followed through with his rant from a few months ago. Sure, it's all for money but at least there's some corporate follow through.

We need a middle finger emoticon for everyone who attacked him over that. 😛

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: Safeway
I thought Microsoft initially scoffed at the idea? Did Gates just realize that people want DRM-free music?

Yeah, really. When did they have this amazing revelation?

In other news, a recent, random, surprise survey on the streets found that most people find that a hot knife into the eyes is quite painful, and may cause blindness.

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212

Originally posted by: Anubis

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212


Thanks for being a trend setter, Steve.

lol

Yep, my remark was meant with a bit of sarcasm, but he actually followed through with his rant from a few months ago. Sure, it's all for money but at least there's some corporate follow through.

We need a middle finger emoticon for everyone who attacked him over that. 😛

YES! I'm getting tired of the anti-Apple b.s. lately. Apple actually listens to costumers, and there's nothing wrong with that. They've even slashed prices to appeal to the marketplace - the macbook for $999 isn't the customer raping that everyone likes to say Apple is known for. Yes, they're a niche item. Yes, their marketing appeals to said niche (hence the smugness people perceive) but, all in all, the company is doing a lot of things right and changing the marketplace. This is one example, and I think acts like this make Apple a necessary force in the marketplace, love them or hate them.

Me? I bought a Dell when I needed a new computer because it was cheap. To me, $$ is the bottom line. But, in a free market, companies are allowed to set their own price points. I wouldn't have it any other way!

 

[uhohs]

gates said drm sucked months ago before jobs said he was against drm.

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: uhohs
gates said drm sucked months ago before jobs said he was against drm.

Some people set trends, others follow 😉

I'm not anti-Microsoft. I think XP was the best OS made in the past 10 years (OS X is too cute and emphasizes eye candy over performance to me). I'm also typing this on a microsoft keyboard - they warranties rock.

But, let's face it, Apple sets trends that a lot of other companies follow. You're blind if you think Vista wasn't at least influenced by OS X (which is why I don't use it, I don't need eye candy when I'm working). The Zune was a response to the iPod, not an attempt to really make something new. I'm sure they'll have a nice answer to the iPhone as well, and let's hope it's cheaper too. Competition is good, let's just be realistic who the innovators are and who the followers are.