Microsoft Set to Unlock EMI Songs, Too

linumax writes "Microsoft has stated that it may be close to reaching a deal with EMI to sell songs without anti-piracy protection via the Zune platform. This, from comments made by head of marketing for Zune Jason Reindorp. They come hard on the heels of EMI's announcement that a deal with Apple to sell songs without DRM protection through the iTunes Music Store has been struck. Mr Reindorp said: 'We've been saying for a while that we are aware that consumers want to have unprotected content. This does open things up a little bit. It potentially makes the competition more of a device-to-device or service-to-service basis, and will force the various services to really innovate.'"

Comments

Just for the record

[Taagehornet]

If I'm not mistaken

But you are (well, at least the real picture is a bit more muddled)

Gates said that no one is satisfied with the current state of DRM, which "causes too much pain for legitmate buyers" while trying to distinguish between legal and illegal uses. He says no one has done it right, yet. There are "huge problems" with DRM, he says, and "we need more flexible models, such as the ability to "buy an artist out for life" (not sure what he means). He also criticized DRM schemes that try to install intelligence in each copy so that it is device specific.

His short term advice: "People should just buy a cd and rip it. You are legal then."

Re:no thanks to MS

[badasscat]

It probably goes without saying, but this isn't some initiative on MS' part. It's riding Jobs' coattails, crying "me too!, me too!", as if MS is some kind of crusader for consumers' rights around music and DRM.

I think you need to go back and read EMI's announcement. Some relevant quotes (emphasis added):

"From today, EMI's retailers will be offered downloads of tracks and albums in the DRM-free audio format of their choice in a variety of bit rates up to CD quality."

"EMI's new DRM-free products will enable full interoperability of digital music across all devices and platforms."

"Apple's iTunes Store (www.itunes.com) is the first online music store to receive EMI's new premium downloads."

EMI had always planned to make its catalog available to anyone that wants it, not just through iTunes and not just AAC files. The only exclusivity Apple ever had was in making the co-announcement.

Re:Since when?

[tb3]

Is this the same Jason Reindorp who said, "Mr. Jobs's call for unrestricted music sales was "irresponsible, or at the very least naïve," (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/07/technology/07mu sic.html?pagewanted=2&ei=5070&en=82b92ed0fed4782b& ex=1176004800)?
This is just Microsoft spin at its quickest.
(Although he did also say, ""the stars were already aligning" to loosen the restrictions." (Ibid). Nothing like CYA.

Re:no thanks to MS

[porcupine8]

DRM-free albums (not individual songs) will still be $9.99 in iTMS. If you can always get major release CDs for less than that, you must have a relative who works for EMI or something. Sure, maybe it's technically lower quality - but I know I sure as hell can't tell the difference between 256 kbs and a CD (which I'd just rip anyhow).

Re:.wma in iTunes

[acidrain69]

I think you're missing something. Not everyone can really hear the difference. It may be obvious to you, but not to everyone else. Just be happy you have good hearing. Or feel cursed because only you and a few other % of the population qualify as "audiophiles" that would notice.

Re:So the question is...

[MojoStan]

would they have do so even if Apple didn't convince EMI to drop DRM? Did Apple ever claim they convinced EMI to drop DRM? EMI claims they approached Apple with this idea.

Remember, EMI and Yahoo Music have been testing the waters with DRM-free MP3s and WMAs since at least July with music by Jessica Simpson, Jesse McCartney, Norah Jones, and Relient K. Steve's bold open letter was posted one month ago.