playsforsure posts

Questioning the security of a closed FairPlay

by David Chartier (RSS feed) on Feb 9th, 2007

Ken Fisher at Ars Technica thinks something smells fishy about Steve Jobs's claims that licensing a DRM system will lead to its defeat. By comparing the security track records of iTunes's FairPlay and Microsoft's rival and heavily-licensed PlaysForSure, Ken might also have a good point. As history goes, FairPlay has been cracked four times (including Real's own hack for their store), while PlaysForSure has suffered only one true crack in its time. Perhaps more significant than either of these numbers, however, is that none of these DRM breaches were the result of secrets being shared from the inside; they apparently were all spearheaded by creatives from the community who might not hold digital rights management in the highest of regards.

Of course, the issue isn't nearly this cut and dry. The iTunes Store's 800-pound gorilla-like popularity can help explain its greater number of breaches (however: wouldn't one be more interested in cracking the store that offers unlimited music via subscription?). In the end, Ken settles on revisiting the possibility of licensing DRM. Since Jobs already let the 'get rid of DRM' cat out of the bag, however, I'm thinking the public isn't going to put the idea to rest anytime soon.

Tags: ars technica, ArsTechnica, drm, its, itunes, itunes store, ItunesStore, ken fisher, KenFisher, playsforsure, secrets

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Hardware, iPod Family, iTS, Retail, iTunes

Zune 2.0: How Microsoft could beat the iPod

by David Chartier (RSS feed) on Nov 30th, 2006

Besides being snarky and asking why Microsoft bothered in the first place, I've been thinking about the more significant aspects of the Zune, such as what it means (and could mean) to the market and the culture of the industry. There is a lot to be said about the fact that Microsoft is paying a record label tax on every device sold and the terrifying precedent that sets, as well as the IP-trampling and DRM-wrapping Wi-Fi sharing feature. Through all this I realized that Microsoft *could* have a great product on their hands - if they got to working on some true innovation (instead of - at best - an unpolished gimmick), and cleaned out the criticism todo list. It wouldn't be easy, especially in light of the uphill battle that seems to be getting steeper by the week, but it could theoretically be done, and we all would be better off if it happened (remember: competition is good for you and me). After the break, I've listed a a few fundamental elements and features that could propel the Zune not simply into the position of a justifiable contender to the DAP throne, but that of a truly innovative and culturally significant product like the iPod has become.

Continue reading “Zune 2.0: How Microsoft could beat the iPod”

Tags: beat, drm, ipod, marketplace, microsoft, playsforsure, shopping, store, zune, zune 2.0, Zune2.0

Filed under: Hardware, Humor, iTS, OS, Software

Dell CEO jabs at Apple, forgets how to count

by David Chartier (RSS feed) on Jul 24th, 2006

Michael Dell, amidst lackluster growth reports and a dismal earnings warning, has fired a couple more potshots across Apple's bow. During a recent Q&A, Dell's CEO cited MTV's new URGE music service as one reason why he is skeptical of the iTMS market dominance over the next ten to twenty years. I guess we'll have to see how well Microsoft irons out their ~~Plays for Sure~~, er ~~URGE~~, er Zune project (indecisive, anyone?), and how upset users get when the Zune crashes with a BSOD right in the middle of a wireless purchase, accidentally charging their credit cards for 5 additional albums that weren't even in their shopping cart.

Going further, Mr. Dell also bragged about Dell's market share statistics, stating that Apple isn't a threat because they haven't broken into the list of top five market share holders. All debates as to whether Apple is trying to, or even should, dominate the world with their shiny computers aside, Michael is only half right: Apple's market share in the U.S. has actually jumped high enough to rank them 4th in PC manufacturers (again, in the U.S.).

How many times do we have to tell you this, Mr. Dell? Insulting Apple won't make them open up OS X for you.

[via MacNN]

Tags: apple, ceo, dell, insult, iPod, iTMS, jab, joke, mac, market share, MarketShare, os x, OsX, PC, Plays for Sure, PlaysForSure, URGE, Zune

Filed under: iPod Family, iTS, iTunes, Apple

Apple: Microsoft of digital music

by Scott McNulty (RSS feed) on May 31st, 2006

Another day, another article telling us that Apple's digital music reign will soon end. The old argument of 'platform independence' are trotted out in this article, referring to Microsoft's 'Plays for Sure' DRM program. Sure, you can play that DRMed music on different devices but you have to use Windows. How is that freedom? If Windows Media would work on my Mac I would give a little credence to this idea, but I seem to recall Microsoft having no interest in that (I wonder why?).

Competition is good, and I'm glad to see that other purveyors of digital music are thinking of new ideas (which Apple will take and incorporate into iTunes I am sure) but until someone comes out with a player/store combo that is just as good as the iPod/iTunes Apple will retain the lead.

Tags: apple, drm, microsoft, plays for sure, PlaysForSure, windows media player, WindowsMediaPlayer, WMA

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