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One can look upon the release of a DRM system that allows a user to cross platforms as either a boon that will accelerate convergence or yet another creeping assimilation by the Windows Borg. I prefer to see this as a glass half-full, as we will never be rid of rights payments as they have become as entrenched as taxes (as they both line the pockets of legislators). 

Microsoft PlayReady was unveiled at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, on Monday. It will allow people to share protected pieces of content between mobile phones, PCs and other devices.

Chadd Knowlton, general manager for content access and protection at Microsoft, explained that PlayReady is based on a system of virtual environments called “domains.” People can register multiple devices within their domain. If a mobile operator, Internet service provider or broadcaster has registered with PlayReady, their customers can purchase content through the system and then transfer it to other domain-registered devices. Alternatively, a user could download the content multiple times to each device.

So will we be assimilated or will this go the way of Origami?



  1. V says:

    At least we know the hackers won’t get bored.

  2. french toast says:

    well, it is a new month. time for yet another MS DRM system completely incompatible with the old ones. bought a Plays4Sure device? sorry, won’t work. just bought a brown zune? oops, no-go.

  3. ECA says:

    DRM is only for computerized machines, that CAN read DRM…
    It dont work on basic devices such as a CD player.

  4. Mark Derail says:

    #1 love it, very vivifying vindication.

    #3 Ever tried playing a Sony movie in a first generation DVD player? Or a Sony music CD in your car’s CD player?

  5. GregA says:

    And yet another web site that allows you to buy (and sell) DRM free MP3 tracks.

    http://amiestreet.com/welcome

    How about we just take both Jobbs and Gates word for it and simply refuse to buy DRM’d media and ignore the new latest greatest most secure DRM tech.

  6. ChuckM says:

    Ah, so that’s why Steve wrote a letter… Microsoft created a superior DRM and he’s left holding the bag.

    Makes me sick.

  7. ECA says:

    4,
    DVD’s play in a machine they were setup to play in, with region codes and DRM, that dont count for alot of machines.
    As to CD’s…NOT on a New player no…On the OLD ones, I could play ANYTHING..

  8. Lauren the Ghoti says:

    #6 –

    “Ah, so that’s why Steve wrote a letter… Microsoft created a superior DRM and he’s left holding the bag.

    Makes me sick.”

    I knew it wouldn’t take very long to concoct an anti-Apple spin on this…

    On a side note –
    Q: How can you tell if a statement is utterly false before you even finish reading it?
    A; It starts with the phrase “Microsoft created a superior ______.”

    “Superior DRM”… Makes as much sense as, say, “superior nuclear attack,” “superior pedophilia” or “superior flesh-eating bacterium”…

  9. Mark Derail says:

    #7 ECA – when I rented a Sony produced movie last year, Zorro Returns, it wouldn’t play in my older 5-DVD player, yet all the Harry Potter’s would, including the latest one.

    So, Sony had something on their DVD that was making my player crash. Zorro played fine on my newer Samsung DVD player.

    Then, my Mom buys the latest Celine Dion w/DRM CD, and it wouldn’t play in her car, or her home CD stereo, all manufactured in the late 90’s.

    I actually had to rip it in Linux (my laptop dual boots XP-Fedora Core 3), and then burn a new copy, so she could play her legally bought CD.

    So, DRM does break things.

    The guy working at Block Buster said it’s been happening a lot lately, and he’s been telling people to buy a newer DVD player, their old one must be broken !!!
    (he would test it in-store)

  10. Smartalix says:

    Talk about planned obsolescence…


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