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Microsoft to boldly go where Apple is already going...eventually

Microsoft changes tune on selling DRM-free songs

Exciting news on the digital music front. Microsoft plans to follow Apple's plan to sell DRM-free tracks from EMI to its extant army of Zune enthusiasts. Welcome to the social:

"The EMI announcement on Monday was not exclusive to Apple," said Katy Asher, a Microsoft spokeswoman on the Zune team, in an e-mail to the IDG News Service today. She said Microsoft has been talking with EMI and 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.

Way to innovate, Redmond. Once the period of EMI's exclusive deal with Apple has ended, this should make both Zune owners very happy.

[via: Boing Boing: Microsoft dropping DRM from Zune Music Store]

Jason Kratz's picture

Merlin- The "both Zune owners" quip...

Merlin-

The "both Zune owners" quip was sour grapes on your part. I'm an iPod owner but if I were to need a new player the Zune is the only other model I'd even consider. It's got decent software, a good interface, a beautiful screen that is larger than the iPod video that I have, and it plays unprotected AAC tracks.

As to "both Zune owners" the Zune as a product was rapidly brought to market (less than I year I believe) and placed second in US sales for last Christmas. Are you (and all of the other people making the same quip) thinking they would have surpassed Apple in a couple months?

Even if they never do surpass Apple the Zune is a good alternative to the iPod and Apple lock-in. I'd take that any day.

Jason

 
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