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A Copyright Cop In Every Zune
Mike writes "As if the Zune wasn't already crippled and unpopular enough, now comes a story indicating that Microsoft may build a 'Copyright Cop' into every Zune. A future update of the software for Microsoft's portable media player will likely include a 'feature' that will block unauthorized copies of copyrighted videos from being played on it. The president of digital distribution for NBC, J. B. Perrette, said the plan is to create 'filtering technology that allows for playback of legitimately purchased content versus non-legitimately purchased content.' Of course there's no way to tell legitimate content that you create from 'non-legitimate' content, so this looks like just another nail in the coffin of the Zune." Update: 05/08 20:50 GMT by T : From Microsoft employee Cesar Menendez comes this categorical denial of any such filtering mechanism.
This is a demonstration of Microsoft's new media-compatibility standard. They're calling it "Plays? Yeah sure!"
"They redundantly repeated themselves over and over again incessantly without end ad infinitum" -- ibid.
I hear that if you're wiling to pay a premium, they'll arrange for Steve Ballmer to come over and kick you in the nuts, personally.
Although, I expect that's only for corporate customers, OEMs, since Steve's time is valuable.
Don't let THEM immanentize the Eschaton!
Yeah, I was kind of wondering how many nails you need in the coffin of a dead product? I'd think the ones in there now are enough to keep it buried as a footnote for MS historians to bleat about on Pub Quiz nights?
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Its not so much the nails in the coffin you need as stakes in the heart. Unfortunately Zune's can only be killed by legitimately purchased stakes.
If brevity is the soul of wit, then how does one explain Twitter?
There are some people who love Microsoft products, use Visual Studio to develop C# code, run Vista and swear up and down that they've never had any problems with it, and have purchased a Zune. I've known one such person. Besides him, I've never seen anyone with a Zune.
Klingon programs don't timeshare, they battle for supremacy.
There are people who enjoy getting their nuts stepped on too. To each his own I guess.
Give me Classic Slashdot or give me death!
Finally, a reason not to buy a Zune.
Game... blouses.
"non-legitimately purchased content"
How do I non-legitimately purchase content? Are they talking about black-market Seinfeld videos?
Well, every now and again one gets through the filter. I understand they're working on that though.
Please stand clear of the doors, por favor mantenganse alejado de las puertas
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