Comments for Microsoft Joins Apple In Offering DRM-Free Music

Microsoft Joins Apple In Offering DRM-Free Music

2007-04-08T07:08:13Z

Following Apple's lead, Microsoft has announced that the Zune Marketplace will offer DRM-free downloads from EMI's catalogue. Microsoft also claims to be discussing similar arrangements with other music labels.

"The EMI announcement on Monday was not exclusive to Apple," said Katy Asher, a Microsoft spokeswoman on the Zune team, in an e-mail to the IDG News Service today. She said Microsoft has been talking with EMI and other record labels "for some time now" about offering unprotected music on its Zune players in an effort to meet the needs of its customers.

Microsoft has kept mum on the specifics. We don't yet how the price or quality of Microsoft's music will stack up against Apple's offering, nor do we know when the DRM-free music will be made available on the Zune Marketplace. — CAREY GREENBERG-BERGER

Microsoft changes tune on selling DRM-free songs [ComputerWorld via Boing Boing]

Comment from SpyMaster on 2007-04-09

2007-04-10T00:49:00Z

Wow....that picture of Bill Gates holding his toy looks just like the typical loser you'd see walking around with a Zune. Of course, from what I can tell, no one has actually *bought* a Zune yet...so maybe those geeks I've seen have all been Microsoft employees.

Comment from mac-phisto on 2007-04-08

2007-04-08T22:32:12Z

@asherchang: What can the RIAA do now? oh, i dunno. sue a bunch of 9-yr olds, the elderly, & thousands of college students maybe.

Comment from Maulleigh on 2007-04-08

2007-04-08T19:25:51Z

I sat next to a woman on the subway the other day who had a Zune. I just stared and stared. She finally got up and moved to another car.

Comment from kenposan on 2007-04-08

2007-04-08T18:04:05Z

So, now what, those 12 people who own a Zune get DRM free music? I keed, I keed.

RIAA just needs to realize that this is a losing battle, like closing our southern border, the war on drugs, and prostitution.

There needs to be a balance between protecting copyright and fair use.

Comment from exkon on 2007-04-08

2007-04-08T12:32:46Z

I guess this is what everyone has been asking for. If the price is right and there are really no strings attached this could really take off. The RIAA is probably shitting their pants right now.

Comment from Havok154 on 2007-04-08

2007-04-08T10:26:09Z

It's kind of odd..I remember back in February the MS Media Exec, Robbie Bach, saying how DRM was important and necessary. Now that their main competitor has signed a company to offer DRM free music, MS thinks it is a great idea.

Comment from asherchang on 2007-04-08

2007-04-08T10:08:14Z

Ha, the RIAA is SO cornered on this one... EMI, Apple, and Microsoft... What can the RIAA do now? Pull a total Bush and astound the entire world at just how huge of a gaping asshole it is?

... I wonder if this means that the Zune will scrap the half-baked 3 days/3 plays idea.

Comment from Scazza on 2007-04-08

2007-04-08T10:06:56Z

Whats this? No comments on how MS is ruining the world, windows is shit compared to mac, or how linux will save the world from aliens.... damn, the commenters are quiet tonight.