Apple's DRM Policy and the locked iPod - Survey and Discussion Thread

[Adel]

In light of the current war between Apple and Real Networks over Real's 'hacking' of the iPod, and the emergence of sites like Real's Freedom of Music Choice, should Apple open up the iPod to other digital music sources and relax it's DRM rules and license Fairplay to others? Will this really benefit everyone? Is Apple just being a selfish ass about it? Does Real have a point, despite the questionable way they went about kracking the code?

Kindly elaborate on your position on this issue in this thread, to help others decide on their own positions, or to explore other ideas. (We'll save judgment on Real's actions in another poll, ok?)

[Edited on 8-18-2004 by Adel]

[berniej]

DRM is not entirely a bad thing *if* properly implemented, though I myself have no idea how to "properly implement" DRM in music without stepping on the toes of a lot of people.

With regards to the RealNetwork/iTunes fiasco, I am siding with Apple on this one. They developed the technology and to hitch a ride on this without the owner knowing about it is, IMHO, rather unethical.

[elbert]

Hey, the Walkman never had DRM. The iPod will be fine. It would in fact be better for Apple if they loosen up. At this point anyway, there's no toppling the iPod.

[jasondv]

I am sitting on the fence on this one, but I am NOT listening to Britney Spears.

Some people are arguing that by keeping the system "closed," Apple is risking another 1984 moment, i.e., they will lose the chance to own the market in the long run as they lost the desktop battle with Windows because they chose not to license their OS right away. I used to think that way, but John Gruber of Daring Fireball has a pretty well-developed argument why that won't come to pass (of course, only time will tell). It's long, but worth the read, I think.

[Edited on 8-18-2004 by jasondv]

[Revenant]

ok naman good intention ni Real. Bastusan lang. Sana nagpaalam sila, pero sabagay dehins naman papayagan ni Apple. Ok lang yan, para parepareho silang lahat patas lang.

[Kenneth]

Man, forget this! Screw Real!

[Adel]

Yes, in principle I agree with Kenneth - RealNetworks is showing its true colors.

It's mind-boggling that it's own 'music store' is Windows-biased, and shuts out Mac users (most likely because they can't get Apple to cooperate in making Real's store Mac-friendly, which is of course natural). RealNetworks has never been able to take off on its own whatever they do, and now tries to find salvation in piggybacking off Apple's success. Parasite.

But nonetheless, their motivations aside, I still think Apple should open up and let the sunshine in; RealNetworks is trying their best to make this point, but clouds it by their underhanded tactics and self-serving motives. I think they've always come off as bumbling idiots, and this latest stunt proves it beyond a shadow of a doubt.

There is actually an online petition asking Real to take down their filibustering, firestarting, opportunistic, sensationalist and tabloidal 'Freedom of Music Choice' website, and as of this writing has over 1600 signatures.

[weremermaid]

Here's the story from As the Apple Turns: Reality Check for Real (8/17/04)

and from SpyMac, a topic posted: Official Anti-REAL Networks thread. (Sign here)

[Eric]

Real’s online ‘grassroots’ campaign is not about choice as they would have us believe, but rather a pathetic attempt to ride on Apple’s successes with the iPod and the ITMS. The campaign is insulting because they’re pretending to back a movement for user’s freedom of choice, when in fact it’s all about coercing Apple to license FairPlay, which they failed to do earlier. If its all about choice, then why is the Mac locked out of their own music store?

I’m not quite sure why Apple’s ‘version’ of the DRM was accepted by the music labels, and users (maybe it was a case of 'pwede na yan' or it was just plain fair). With the biggest piece of the pie, it is understandable why Apple is being madamot w/ FairPlay’s license. Apple is the 800-pound gorilla in the digital music space–all the more reason to license their ‘acceptable’ version of the DRM to companies.

In the end, I’d much rather have an acceptable DRM scheme such as Apple’s FairPlay made available to the most number of media than having a less acceptable one shoved down my throat by a marauding monopolist.


[Edited on 8-19-2004 by Eric]

[PatrickGaerlan]

For now, I don't mind if Apple keeps the iPod locked up. Apple deserves to reap the rewards (profits) of developing the best music player and the best online music store out there. I couldn't care less about Real's online music store since they don't seem to want my money because I use a Mac.