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Windows Media for Embedded Linux Systems
ntmonkey writes "According to this article, Microsoft has authorized InterVideo to port Windows Media Player to Linux. However, WMP will not be available to normal folks...Microsoft will only allow it to be distributed via set top boxes and the like."
"If you register the player online, which involves answering some very personal questions and effectively allowing Microsoft a good look at your PC, then you get the full version. Otherwise you're left with a cut down version.
"If they applied this tactic to Linux users, imagine the information they could get their hands on."
Indeed.
Even if they ported it, would you use it with those stipulations?
One word. MPlayer.
Karma: Chameleon (mostly due to the fact that you come and go).
Having it closed sort of sucks because other competing players can't use the codecs. I think MS is just trying to make WMP9 video formats the defacto industry standard.
"You can now flame me, I am full of love,"
This may not be a dupe as it clarifies that Microsoft is not going to allow the port of WMP to be used in regular linux boxes, so all of the discussions about GPL licensing are mute!
Way to go Microsoft! You never let us down in our expectations of your imperialist powers
This is just sig!
If they use i386, I can count it in minutes. :)
If they use something else, could be a LOOOOOONG time.
Karma: Chameleon (mostly due to the fact that you come and go).
Unless they go with Linux to save a little money. Especially if they are a manufacturer.
If you are producing a set-top embedded system and need to put an OS on it, it's WAY cheaper to use Linux than Embedded Windows. The only real cost associated with Linux is tech support, which can be a HUGE cost, but won't be in a system like this because access to the OS will be extremely limited so users won't have an opportunity to fuck it up.
If you make this product using Linux, you are probably doing so to save on costs, thus maximizing profit for you and your shareholders. Chances are ideological issues about free software and open source play little or no role in that decision. As such, you would be more than happy to use a port of MS-WMP and related codecs if that is a convenient and efficient way to handle the media.
lysergically yours
This is only for embedded devices. You will not see Windows Media Player for the version of Linux which runs on ordinary computers. Microsoft does not have a monopoly in embedded devices, and probably never will: Linux is beating Microsoft in that market. Therefore, if Microsoft wants its media player to exist in that market, they have to (gasp!) compete by doing drastic things like offering it on other operating systems!
This isn't the first time. Microsoft offers its technologies on other platforms when they don't have a monopoly. FrontPage server extensions have been available for Apache for quite some time, for example.
When you see Windows Media Player downloadable for x86 Linux with the X Window System -- then it's news.
However, it's important to avoid using Windows Media anywhere it is found. This is an area Microsoft wants a monopoly in, and it would be a very bad thing if they achieved it. Choose MPEG, OGG, Real, etc. streams when you can find them -- b**ch and moan to webmasters when you can't find them.
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Embedded Systems makers beware, supporting this will eventually invalidate the reasons you chose linux in the first place!
This move by Microsoft is to prevent Ogg Vorbis and other free codecs from dominating the Linux embedded market. Once Microsoft has the dominant codec, they'll stop supporting Linux and force you to buy some flavor of embedded windows or other platform they control to stay in business.
As soon as Microsoft has finished using its codecs to control the media-format choices in the embedded and desktop market, they will charge out the wazoo for this stuff and pry your Linux options out of your hands. DON'T FALL FOR IT. This is not a new strategy, most people LEARN of it through Micrsoft.