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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.
Microsoft fanboyz who dream of having uncle Stevie squirting his melodies of love at them. People who wouldn't know style if it hit them on the head like a brick. Three year-old mentally handicapped people. You know... The usual Microsoft media customer.
That is all.
What is so bad about Vista?
First, I would like to point out that there are flash-based Zunes, and that the second-gen Zunes are hardly bigger than their equivalent iPod products. You do make a point, though. This is because the majority of people who buy iPods are more interested in it as a fashion item than as an mp3 player. Flash-based mp3 players are "sexier," and the people who buy them don't need a lot of storage, as their collections generally consist of a few CD's worth of singles. Hard drive based mp3 players are more for enthusiasts who have been collecting albums their entire life. Your mileage may vary, but other than the iPod, I've seen more Zunes in the wild than any other mp3 player lately. I'm no fan of the Zune, mind you. I'd much rather have a nice disk-based Cowon.
Of course, Apple doesn't really listen to *it's* either; it's just better at telling it's customers what to want.
Damn, should have updated my groupthink subscription before posting. Microsoft sucks, and everyone who repeats that ad nauseum should be modded up! Ignoran^H^H^H^HUnity is strength!
Those who advocate genocide deserve every protection afforded by law, and none afforded by common human decency.