Slashdot Mirror
Microsoft Brings Back DRM
Barence writes "Microsoft yesterday unveiled its MSN Mobile Music service — and a surprise return to digital rights management (DRM). While companies such as Apple and Amazon have finally moved to music download services free of copy protection, MSN Mobile locks tracks to the mobile handset they are downloaded to. It also charges more than the other services per track, and offers no way to transfer your tracks to your new phone when you upgrade. The company's Head of Mobile UK spoke to PC Pro about the launch, but his answers are almost as baffling as the service itself. Best quote: Q: 'If I buy these songs on your service — and they're locked to my phone — what happens when I upgrade my phone in six months' time?' A: 'Well, I think you know the answer to that.'"
just as some people were saying 'they are starting to listen to customers now' due to windows 7, this happens.
boy. talk about 'twilight zone' kind of surreal.
Read radical news here
Why has Microsoft gone back to DRM when the vast majority of music services have ditched it?
A: It's a first step. We are looking for some idiots who do not look elsewhere on the web and we will make profit off of them.
With the likes of iTunes and Amazon offering DRM-free music that you can play on any device, why would anyone choose the MSN Mobile service?
A: There may well be people who are just idiots who buy whatever we throw at them.
The fee for downloading tracks - £1.50 - is relatively high compared to 79p on iTunes and less than that on certain Amazon tracks. Why is that?
A: Yes. We are not looking for people who are savvy enough to shop around. You are asking too many good questions. This service is not for you.