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Jobs Favors DRM-Free Music Distribution

Posted by kdawson on from the not-my-fault dept.

Another anonymous reader tips an essay by Steve Jobs on the Apple site about DRM, iTunes, and the iPod. Perhaps it was prompted by the uncomfortable pressure the EU has been putting on Apple to open up the iPod. Jobs places the blame for the existence and continuing reliance on DRM squarely on the music companies. Quoting: "Much of the concern over DRM systems has arisen in European countries. Perhaps those unhappy with the current situation should redirect their energies towards persuading the music companies to sell their music DRM-free. For Europeans, two and a half of the big four music companies are located right in their backyard. The largest, Universal, is 100% owned by Vivendi, a French company. EMI is a British company, and Sony BMG is 50% owned by Bertelsmann, a German company. Convincing them to license their music to Apple and others DRM-free will create a truly interoperable music marketplace. Apple will embrace this wholeheartedly."

2 of 755 comments (clear)

  1. New Mac ad by roger6106 · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Apple also has a new Mac ad making fun of Vista's security prompts.

  2. Re:Can we get a new icon? by pete-classic · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    The point was that the word entered the English lexicon by way of Eastern religious art. Halo->Icon. Dig?

    Now, for your winnings. You have my permission to be smug for the rest of the day.

    -Peter