AAC does not belong to Apple. It was developed by the same people who developed MP3 (Dolby/Fraunhofer etc) and represents an evolution of audio compression algorithms, offering higher quality at lower bitrates and more efficient decoding.

The FairPlay DRM that is applied to AAC files on the iTMS *does* belong to Apple however.

The Sony Ericsson W810i, W800i (and probably other phones too) already support AAC – the W800i was announced over a year ago (review here: http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/review.php?reviewId=907) so it's definitely not news.

Belated but welcome. When other companies do the same then we can perhaps ask for some opening up of Fairplay or alternatively the gradual and universal adoption of an open DRM which of course Microsoft was entirely disinterested in when it thought it could dominate all by itself and rejected the AAC (MP4) standard some years back.

As for Sony well of course they had their own chance to be part of this particular party and like the guy who turned the Beatles took a disasterous rain check.

Belated but welcome. When other companies do the same then we can perhaps ask for some opening up of Fairplay or alternatively the gradual and universal adoption of an open DRM which of course Microsoft was entirely disinterested in when it thought it could dominate all by itself and rejected the AAC (MP4) standard some years back.

Um, Apple has absolutely no interest in an open DRM, either. The only ones who will support/use an open DRM are those companies on the fringes trying to find a foothold the two big guys overlooked.

The PSP has been able to play unprotected AAC audio files since firmware 2.5.

[i]Um, Apple has absolutely no interest in an open DRM[/i]

Apple just formed the Digital Data Exchange with Microsoft and a group of record companies and rights organisations, specifically to develop a standard for DRM interchange...

www.digitaldataexchange.com

Apple just formed the Digital Data Exchange with Microsoft and a group of record companies and rights organisations, specifically to develop a standard for DRM interchange...

OMG! They've formed a consortium with other companies! That can only mean one thing! We're on the verge of a truly interoperable DRM! Because we know consortiums always produce results!

I read the web site you pointed to. There's absolutely no mention about interoperable DRM on their charter. In fact, this is what they say:

To develop and maintain a robust framework of communication Standards to support the digital distribution of digital content with the initial focus on music and music-related assets;

Ahhh, communications standards for distribution. Exciting. Not DRM related, but exciting nonetheless.

To improve the efficiency of information sharing and transaction processing between participants in the music supply chain through use of Standards and

Standardized Information sharing. Gotta love it. Now we don't have to worry about all the different companies not being able to share information on sales and all. It'll be in a standard format!

To promote global awareness and compliant implementation of these Standards.

Yes! This is what we need! More commercials, reminders, nagging, etc, that we should respect copyrights and not steal music.

If apple wanted to open up DRM, they could easily start by opening up Fairplay. License it to player manufacturers and other music stores, so you could buy music from Walmart for your iPod, or buy iTMS music and play it on your Creative Zen.

But they have yet to do that, nor has there been ANY indication they will ever do that (not as long as they hold their current iTMS and iPod marketshares).

Ergo, my point is still valid.

DDEX is not about DRM. It was formed to standarize the copyright information for better transaction processing between the participants (online music stores, labels, publishing enterprises and music right societies.