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.

Comments

PlaysForSure

[Carnildo]

This is a demonstration of Microsoft's new media-compatibility standard. They're calling it "Plays? Yeah sure!"

Re:Huh? Zune?

[Shadow Wrought]

I was kind of wondering how many nails you need in the coffin of a dead product?

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.

Re:Huh? Zune?

[Hatta]

There are people who enjoy getting their nuts stepped on too. To each his own I guess.

Something we all needed

[lewp]

Finally, a reason not to buy a Zune.

What this?

[xbytor]

"non-legitimately purchased content"

How do I non-legitimately purchase content? Are they talking about black-market Seinfeld videos?

Re:Nothing new there

[goatpunch]

most people I encounter with iPods are listening to them on the bus or train - and have them buried away in their pockets. That does raise the obvious question... how do you know they're iPods if you can't see them? They might all be listening to Zunes...