iPod undermines Microsoft

The success of the iPod are forcing copy-protection companies such as Macrovision and SunnComm , possibly undermining Microsoft's position in the music industry, as the WMA format is the default digitally encoded format found on most copy-protected CDs: "....they're both making substantial changes in the way CDs are digitally locked, changes that could ultimately be a setback to recent Microsoft strides into the music business.... the subsequent meteoric rise of the iPod--which does not play Microsoft-formatted music--has forced a change in plans: no more reliance on Microsoft's technology, no more second session and an appeal to Apple for compatibility." The article notes that Apple has not yet licensed its iPod-compatible FairPlay digital rights management technology to anyone, although the companies appear to be optimistic about that possibility.

by MacNN Staff