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Jobs wants DRM-free online music shake-up
Author: Tim SmalleyPublished: 7th February 2007
Jobs has called on Universal Music, EMI, Sony BMG and Warner Music to begin selling online music without DRM.
Jobs claimed that DRM had failed to tackle the problem of piracy and the abolition of it would be good for both the consumers and the music suppliers.
Apple has had a stranglehold on the digital music market with thanks to iPod and the iTunes music store, both of which currently use DRM to protect content.
The company has come under increasing pressure to allow competing music players to use iTunes and has even come under attack from consumer rights groups in several European countries because of the incompatibilities.
"In such a world, any player can play music purchased from any store, and any store can sell music which is playable on all players. This is clearly the best alternative for consumers, and Apple would embrace it in a heartbeat," said Jobs in a statement.
Jobs highlighted the fact that music companies already sell almost 90% of their music DRM-free on CDs. He also pointed out that there is no sign of this behaviour changing, because the majority of CD players don't support DRM. Ultimately, CD sales are what the recording industry relies on for most of its revenue.
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The 'Discuss in the forums' link just takes you to the forums and not this thread, is that intentional?
Sacked!
:D
*washes mouth out with soapy water for agreeing with Steve Jobs*.
<A88>
It's all good news though, with the power Apple has on the digital music industry, this should spell the end for drm within this sector. Now just for the film industry..............
Sacked for being late! :D
However, pricing is still an issue imo...if Im buying a load of 0s and 1s that dont come with physical media/packaging/artwork (etc), I want a decent amount knocked off, not just a few dollars.
Take note Mr. Gates, you're behind again.
Then so that they don't get outdone, M$ scrap DRM in Vista and concentrate all the resources they spent on developing pointless DRM etc into making the OS more secure and reliable.
Shame its just dreams but I can still live in hope... :)
As long as we feel the need for locks on our cars, homes, and businesses the music & movie companies will feel the need for locks on their business.
-ed out
I hate Ipods, well not Ipods but the way everyone talks about Ipods being the ONLY mp3 player, ive said it before on this forum, Creative to me is one of the best, if only they had marketed theres better!
I own a Creative DAP 20GB Jukebox, 6years old still going strong! Average use is 50hrs a week, come on ipod I challenge you to last that long! Surprisingly enough, never had to change the power adapter or HDD inside, the only thing I've done is paint the thing!
Lets stamp out DRM!!!!!! It is pointless!
http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=37492
/holds up hand and looks sheepish. :(
Some good points.
If I could do whatever I wanted with my mp3s that I paid for then I wouldnt have too much to complain about, but I wont pay for DRM.
However - I'm 110% behind the idea of DRM free music. If I buy something - that's it. It's mine to use where and on what device I want.