Countdown to the End of DRM: Zune’s Take

I dislike DRM as much as the next person so I am quite happy to see the beginning of the end for DRM. What is interesting however, is how EMI’s agreement with Steve Jobs will affect the rest of the industry.

Ryan Block of Engadget predicts a “domino effect.” He has the right idea, but his phrase does little justice to just how much things are going to change. This is going to be great for those involved in the industry IF they treat it as an opportunity and not hide in some corner. Apple is at the forefront of this change and is at the same time creating massive brand awareness. But what about Microsoft? Where do they stand as of EMI’s big announcement?

According to another article by Ryan Block, this is what Microsoft has to say regarding this madness:

"Consumers have indicated [having DRM free music] is important to them so Zune has been working with a variety of partners to head in this direction. [Emphasis ours] This is a time of transition for the music industry and Microsoft is committed to striking a balance between delivering the best consumer experience while still protecting the rights of the content owners."

Microsoft has no choice. The market is driven by the consumers need and desires. This makes you wonder why the Zune is as lackluster as it is. People did not like it yet a new generation of Zune is on the way and it will only have a chance if DRM is done away with. But reading on, it is clear that Microsoft is pro-DRM. They strongly believe that DRM will always have a place whether in delivering video content or music subscription services. Microsoft wants to create “flexible DRM technology” that will make the consumers and content owners happy. Likely? I think not.

Microsoft’s whole approach to DRM mirrors the old-fashioned mentality of the stubborn record labels (minus EMI in this respect of course). While they are putting so much concentration on a technology/philosophy that is clearly on its way out, they are falling way behind in the race that is mobile music.

Let it go, let it go! The fate of the Zune 2.0 depends on it (among other things, but we will let that go right now).


Engadget- Zune the next to drop DRM? By Ryan Block
http://www.japan.engadget.com/2007/04/02/zune-the-next-to-drop-drm/

Engadget- Why Jobs is going to London: EMI is ditching DRM By Ryan Blockhttp://www.engadget.com/2007/04/01/why-jobs-is-going-to-london-emi-is-ditching-drm/