Microsoft is working on a rental based DRM system for its WMA codec codenamed Janus. Janus adds a clock function to WMA capable portable players to allow the playback of rented music, but after a time period set in a track has elapsed, the player will no longer allow playback of the track.
The aim of this software is to allow the music companies to rent their music collection out using a subscription based service rather than sell by track. This would allow the user to download to their hearts content for a flat rate subscription as well as take the music on the move although each song will expire after a certain period. However analysts claim that the music industry may still be unhappy as they would prefer to sell by a track bases rather than rent out their music collection for a flat rate subscription.
Janus is in the beta stage at present and Microsoft expects to launch it this summer. Samsung is already advertising Janus compatibility in its products. GristyMcFisty submitted the following news via our news submit :
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Codenamed Janus, the software adds a clock function to portable music players using Microsoft's Windows Media Audio (WMA). This lets downloaded tracks to be programmed to expire, meaning that online music companies can "rent" unfettered subscription-based access to large music libraries rather than selling it on a per-song basis. The Redmond Giant has not officially confirmed details of Janus, which is expected to launch this summer. But the technology is in beta, and Samsung is already advertising Janus compatibility. However analysts say that while Janus would enable online music companies to sell a subscription service, it is unlikely that the music industry would buy into the idea. It prefers to be paid by the title rather than giving users to access a large library of music which is too close to providing free music. It will only allow it to take place if punters are not allowed to put the music onto portable devices, which has borked the market a lot. But by time stamping music, Janus will mean that the music industry is more likely to accept file sharing and allow its music to be put on MP3 players. |
So far no announcement has been made on expected subscription pricing or how many days will downloaded tracks function for before they expire. This service reminds me of the rent-all-you-want audio equivalent of the various flat rate DVD-rental services online, however in this case the user is not limited to how many songs they may rent at one go or worry about returning anything. The obvious disadvantage would be that users would not be allowed to burn rented music to CD.
Feel free to discuss and read more about legal download and subscription based services on our Music Downloads, P2P & Legal Issues Forum.
Source: The Inquirer
