Microsoft does U-turn on Zune DRM

Following Apple's lead, Microsoft has said it will soon sell digital music online without Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection on its Zune players.

When Apple founder, Steve Jobs, originally called for an end to DRM in an open letter, a Zune spokesman called it naive and irresponsible, but now the company seems to have literally changed its tune.

A Zune spokeswoman said that 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.

[ChefDejon]

wow microsfot first u dis something then you realise how dumb it was then do what the others are doing at least they know how to swallow thier pride

[BIadestarX]

As hard as it's for many people to believe Microsoft is a company. And they want to make money... they are not in the business of pissing people up. Sometimes they screw up... but they will not have a problem adapting in order to market their product and make money.

[hfaze]

Yep... M$ sure has been doing a fair amount of back-pedaling here lately... ;-)

I'm just glad to see that record companies and digital player manufacturers are seeing that DRM is way more of a hassle than its worth. FINALLY business is realizing that the only thing that DRM is effective at is hassling legitimate customers.

Just take a look at what DRM has done to stop piracy!! (ROFL)

[Grown Folks Talk]

2 skus confuses the consumer. worldwide launch is not a good idea. we don't need gimmick controllers. i'm glad nobody but microsoft does that.

[Neutral Gamer]

You say this story has nothing to do with gaming, I agree it doesn't, that's why it's in the Tech section. That's what the Tech section is for and N4G guidelines state that we can add Tech stories to the site.

In fact if you look at the following 3 example articles that have been approved (just a minute handful of approved non-gaming Tech stories), you'll notice they were approved by a combination of NEWSBOT and DUSTY. They didn't seem to have a problem with them, so are you seriously telling me that you have a better handle on what should be allowed on this site than the STAFF themselves?!

Why do I always get such hassle when attempting to post Tech stories on this site? The N4G guidelines speaks for itself. I'm not having a go at you, I've approved loads of your stories in the past (like your Halo 2 Vista Achievments just a minute ago) and this report ain't gonna change me doing so in the future. I'd just like an explanation mate cos I get conflicting views everytime I ask different contributors. :)

Here's three random previously approved stories:

EMI drops DRM on music sold on Apple iTunes
http://www.n4g.com/tech/New...

Opinion: Can Zune survive?
http://www.n4g.com/industry...

Zune for free with a phone-like plan
http://www.n4g.com/industry...

[overrated]

Ipod > Zune

Ms always backpeddle who remembers this infamous quote:

We dont need the internet, Bill Gates, 1993

lmao

to the below
yep he did

[MissAubrey]

Thats funny!!

[BIadestarX]

Anything Gates said about the internet at that time should be considered in the context that Microsoft was doing active development on networking in the early 1990s but not necessarily internet networking.

You people give mr Gates more credit than what any human should get. Seriously do you think he got a cristal ball that allows him see the future and be 100% right?

[zonetrooper5]

Creative is better then the Ipod and Zune. I just wish that MS would release the Zune over here in the UK already and i hope that Apple do a price drop on the Ipods, its so over priced in the UK, £180 for a 30GB when Creative do the same for just £150. Me thinks Apple are evil as well haha. Anyways many people use P2P systems nowadays such as Limewire, Frostwire, Kazza, Bearshare, Edonkey etc etc.

[ZyKlOn]

The Microsoft Zune Sucks - Leo Laporte

[ZyKlOn]

zune sucks!!!

[ZyKlOn]

New Apple iPod Video Ad

[ZyKlOn]

Will Ferrell IPod

[ZyKlOn]

Bill Gates Praising Apple Computers