News, info, and opinion by Mac users, for Mac users.

January 17, 2007

speculation

FairPlay to play fair

Authored by Aaron Freedman at 3:45 PM
Category | Apple » Speculation
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Chains-146X206 We all know FairPlay, Apple’s iTunes Store DRM technology. While it’s fine if you just listen to your music on Apple products (and iTunes Motorola phones), it can be a real pain if you have a 3rd party media streamer. According to Tech.co.uk, Apple hears your problems, or at least the sound of you dumping your iPod + iTunes combo for, God forbid, PlaysForSure. The Tech.co.uk article reports that as early as next week Apple will open up FairPlay in two ways: it will allow streaming of protected AAC content over USB, and licensing of the Fairplay DRM to participants of the Made For iPod program.

If this were to come true, it would be great. The streaming USB feature would be perfect for playing back content from an iPod on a PS3 or Xbox 360, and iPod accessory makers could make FairPlay-compatible media streamers that are cheaper than the Apple TV. And, existing media streamer makers such as Slim Devices (now part of Logitech) and Sonos may even become members of Made for iPod just for the ability to play back Fairplay content. Of course, I’m not sure if Apple would ever do this, as they have their own interests in their media streamer, the Apple TV, and iTunes sales are still on the rise. Though if Apple did go through with this plan, it would give them a competitive edge on the Zune that could help Apple totally knock it out of the market.

[via digg]


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