Microsoft to Launch Online Music Store 416
yonnage writes "Microsoft is expected to enter the online song store market this week, which should put the software giant head-to-head with Apple Computer in the music business at last.
The launch of Microsoft's iTunes rival will be timed along with the beta release of Microsoft's new Windows Media Player 10, expected on Thursday, sources say. The store will also be in beta mode, lacking some of the features that will be added later, sources said."
WMP10 Beta is already available! (Score:5, Informative)
http://www.micro soft.com/windows/windowsmedia/mp10/default.aspx
WMP10 Beta has been out for a while, so that's kind of confusing..
Re:Has Bill Gates ever had an original idea? (Score:5, Informative)
Err...no. The name "SQL Server" comes from Sybase, the company who they originally licensed from. It's also why both Sybase and MS SQL Server have quite a bit in common with Transact SQL, though they vary significantly in dialect.
Cheers,
Ian
Re:Interesting... (Score:3, Informative)
Re:WMP10 Beta is already available! (Score:4, Informative)
<URL:http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia /mp10/default.aspx>
Click here for that link [microsoft.com].
Re:It's about time! (Score:3, Informative)
Hope this is a joke? (Score:1, Informative)
Re:It's about time! (Score:3, Informative)
Once it's open it's not hard to install one of these [google.com]. They have fitted plugs, like your PC fan. It's a standard battery too. Used in some PDAs, and the like.
Re:It's about time! (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Tin foil alert level at Orange. (Score:1, Informative)
I agree they have a massive advantage with their leverage, but to be honest Apple are being even bigger c**ts with iTunes.
*awaits flames from Mac zealots with no life*
Re:Monopoly hadware versus monopoly software (Score:4, Informative)
iTunes only authenticates a song purchased by a user that hasn't been played on the computer before. Once you enter the proper password, it no longer goes through the authentication process, and you can play offline to your heart's content.
Coincidentally, this can also be used to circumvent the five comp limit on protected AACs; authorize five computers to play your tunes, then use Apple's web form to de-authenticate those machines. The nifty thing is, this process is only done on Apple's end, so the five computers still think they're authorized. You can now allow five more machines to play your songs. As long as the first five never go online ever again, you're set. ^_^
WM-DRM Issues (Score:2, Informative)
The basic issue is that DRM'd WM files only work with one installation of Windows. If you lose your box, you lose your music. If you have to reinstall (a rare occurrence with Windows, I know) you lose your music.
The worst that can happen with iTMS files is that if you forget to deauthorize your computer before reloading you lose the ability to play that song on one computer. But you can still play the songs.
dealerships (Score:3, Informative)
Xix.
Re:Monopoly hadware versus monopoly software (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Monopoly hadware versus monopoly software (Score:2, Informative)
Once you have a license, there is no need to be online.
I don't think a lot of people know what they're talking about when they talk about Microsoft DRM.