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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."
The Microsoft and Linux icons on the same topic... what an unholy combination! I thought I'd never see the day.
"Backups are for wimps. Real men upload their data to an FTP site and have everyone else mirror it." -- Linus Torvalds
... until it gets ripped off a box and distributed for general use?
Comment removed based on user account deletion
"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).
No, the previous posts were Microsoft allowing the WMV9 encoders to be licensed for other operating systems. Previously, media tools from Microsoft could only be used on Windows (like Pinnacle Studio). With the WMV9 codec, licenses for tools can be purchased on any operating system, and much cheaper than MPEG4 licenses.
This new release is about their media PLAYER, for which licensing is a separate issue.
so now will the movie theaters run linux?
Hey...it was highly rated in a previous story. If the Slashdot gang can repeat stories...why can't I repeat comments.
Not if the libraries in question are licenced under the LGPL. The LGPL specifically allows linking with non-GPLed code; that's the reason it exists distinct from the GPL.
It's official. Most of you are morons.
Microsoft is right. Most Linux folks are not normal.
Chris
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!
Yarrrrr matey! We be the pirates o' the seven operatin' systems!
*wink-wink* *nudge-nudge*
Natural != (nontoxic || beneficial)
Sounds like a prime candidate for a legal paradox that could destroy time itself!
Z. http://www.play.net Your games, my job. C'est la vie!
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).
Yes you are missing a great deal. The GPL only restricts the code that is covered by the GPL. So if Microsoft chose to take the linux kernel and rerelease it, then they would have to release the source, otherwise they don't have to release anything under the GPL simply because they are using Linux as their kernel. Take, for example, Oracle, win4lin, Opera, and a host of other BSD licensed material that runs on linux.
This is just sig!
Ryan T. Sammartino
"Ancora imparo"
Lately I have found that the majority of /. stories are delayed mirrors of Google News Sci/Tech section. I generally check Google News for the stories, then come here about 2 hours later to see the dialog about the story. I knew this story would be making its way here sooner or later.
This is potentially big news for TiVo. With the recent release of Home Media Option, there have been some complaints about the software not supporting WMA. My music is in mp3 format, so I don't really care, but if it can help increase interest and development in Home Media Option, I'm all for it.
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.
Tired of FB/Google censorship? Visit UNCENSORED!
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.