Microsoft follows Apple's lead on non-DRM offerings

[NatCh]

Microsoft changes tune, now wants to sell DRM free songs

via Tech.Blorge.com

On the heels of the Apple/EMI DRM dump, Microsoft has announced that it's also working on offering non-DRM music -- with a slight Microsoft spin on the matter:

Katy Asher, a Microsoft spokeswoman on the Zune team said, Microsoft has been talking with not only EMI but other record labels “for some time now” about offering unprotected music on its Zune players in an effort to meet the needs of its customers.

Ms. Asher further commented,

Consumers have made it clear that unprotected music is something they want.

No, really? Do you think?

Also, reportedly EMI is talking with other providers about removing DRM from their content in channels other than iTunes, though they wouldn't confirm that they were talking with Microsoft specifically (which, of course, Microsoft already has), but that suggests that there may be yet other outlets getting into the game now.

All in all, this particular wall of DRM sandbags seems to be crumbling nicely.

Full article

[TadW]

Originally Posted by NatCh

No, really? Do you think?

Heh, kinda funny how they (Apple, M$, EMI & co.) just came to realize that. As if we didn't cry loud enough before.

[NatCh]

Guess it just goes to show they can take a hint ... if it's applied with sufficient force.

[nekokami]

Originally Posted by NatCh

Guess it just goes to show they can take a hint ... if it's applied with sufficient force.

Yeah... like EU directives and the threat of anti-monopoly litigation. (Not that M$ usually worries about that sort of thing....)

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

They're not really responding to our screaming (don't I wish)... they're responding to consumers in general, many of whom are blowing them off because their devices are too much trouble to use, or won't do what they want. They believe that removing DRM will solve some of those problems, allow them to sell more, and make them mo' money, mo' money, mo' money...

And M$ is simply following suit to avoid losing market share, whether they like it or not.

Fine by me.

[Robert Marquard]

My impression is that the very fast reaction to the EMI announcement is due to the fear of a competitor outselling them.

[NatCh]

You're probably right, Robert, but they're also claiming that they see it as a way to break into the iPod owner's music buying budget -- I'd guess that your notion is at least as much motivation to them.