Microsoft Zune player won't play Windows protected media

September 20, 2006

This is priceless. Microsoft's new iPod thrasher, the Zune , cannot use "old" DRM laden tunes sporting their annoying DRM scheme. So much for "PlaysForSure".

Microsoft's Zune will not play protected Windows Media Audio and Video purchased or "rented" from Napster 2.0, Rhapsody, Yahoo! Unlimited, Movielink, Cinemanow, or any other online media service. That's right '” the media that Microsoft promised would Play For Sure doesn't even play on Microsoft's own device. Buried in footnote 4 of its press release, Microsoft clearly states that "Zune software can import audio files in unprotected WMA, MP3, AAC; photos in JPEG; and videos in WMV, MPEG-4, H.264" '” protected WMA and WMV (not to mention iTunes DRMed AAC) are conspicuously absent.……

EFF's Cory Doctrow as hits the nail on the head when it comes to the dangers of DRM and the DMCA: "Microsoft's iPod-killing Zune player won't play music that's locked up with Microsoft's own anti-copying software."

Due to an array of non compatible digital rights management schemes, we see once again that your once legally "purchased" but locked media, will need to be re-bought, if you wish to use a different player. You cannot remove the protection without breaking the law. Make sure to read the rest of the tirade over at ZDNet.

Source: ZDNet