Apple sharing FairPlay DRM?

[Jimmy 2004]

Apple may be set to share its closely guarded FairPlay DRM for the first time, with Netgear's EVA8000 Digital Entertainer HD one of the first players. At CES last week Netgear's new media player was shown playing songs which were downloaded via iTunes, which has led to speculation that Apple is finally willing to let other companies use its protection. It is still possible that Netgear actually hacked the iTunes software to let the device play the songs, but Netgear refused to comment saying that its technique came from a "secret source." If Apple shared its protection it would be likely to get more downloads via iTunes, but there is the possibility that sales of iPods could fall if other devices also work with the software.

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[WarEagleAU]

DRM is stupid anyways, well, thats my opinion.

 

[jocksteeluk]

apple two options, either share its DRM system or get sued into doing so. France is doing the right thing regarding this issue i feel.

 

[Wile E]

I wish drm was just illegal, period. I think it's ridiculous that we are forced to buy specific hardware to play media. I own an iPod, not for iTunes Music Store downloads, but because I like them, and they have the most accessories of all the portable players. I wouldn't mind having one of the queen-mother Archos players either, but just can't afford one. Either way, I will never download drm encumbered files from anywhere. You're just trapping yourself.

 

[Benpi]

Apple knows it better start sharing and make a move now - if they don't their whole iPod program will be F*cked. Esp w/ frace selling DRM free music - because once they do, EVERYONE will do it and will be a huge battle to lower prices for DRM free MP3s. I see this as the beginning of the end of iTunes