Zune Delivers Restricted Music and Entertainment Experience. Integrated Digital Restrictions technology hamper functionality that could revolutionize the user experience of portable entertainment devices.
Boston, Mass. — November. 14, 2006 — Marking the next big milestone in Treacherous Computing and Digital Restrictions Management. Microsoft today released the first product under the Zune brand. Designed around the principles of control, restriction and isolation, Zune will create new ways for consumers to be locked in to file formats and DRM platforms while trying to enjoy music, movies and the videos they love. The Zune experience centers around restrictions— restrictions to your music and video libraries, on sharing with friends, restrictions on the commons and connection to other devices. Just about everything in fact.
"The digital music entertainment devolution is just beginning," said Gregory Heller of the grassroots direct action group DefectiveByDesign.org that is leading the charge against DRM in all forms and products. “With Zune, Microsoft is introducing an ill fated platform of control that restricts its own customers in an attempt to protect Big Media companies.”
The Zune Experience
Available this holiday season in the United States only, Zune includes a 30GB digital media player, the Zune Marketplace music service and a shaky foundation for an online community that Microsoft claims will enable music fans to discover new music from the big four Music Companies. The Zune device is billed as customizable, a revolution in personal digital players even though the terms of use will allow the manufacturer to change or revoke permission to use it.
Every Zune device creates the appearance of an opportunity for connection. Wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing lets consumers spontaneously share full-length sample tracks of select songs, homemade recordings, playlists or pictures with friends between Zune devices, all of which will “expire” in a few short days regardless of the copyright terms on the particular content being shared. Listen to the full track of any song you receive up to three times over three days which is really so much better than actually getting the song from a friend for unlimited use. If you like a song you hear and want to buy it, you can flag it right on your device and easily purchase it from the Zune Marketplace and it will come complete with restrictive DRM.
Buying songs and videos from the Zune Market Place will insure that your media will be encumbered by Digital Restrictions that will frustrate your attempts to share your music with others, and listen to it on any device you own.
The Future with Zune is Dim
In addition to the features available at launch, built-in wireless technology and powerfully restrictive software will provide a strong foundation to continue to build new restrictions for the user experience. As Zune evolves, the device will require frequent and more restrictive software and “security” patches. The Zune software on your Windows (only) PC will let you know when these updates are available for download. If you don't like the updated new features, you will not be able to revert back to previous versions. And remember, your Zune will only work with Microsoft Windows so if you decide to migrate to a Mac or Linux OS, your Zune will become almost useless.
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About DefectiveByDesign.org
DefectiveByDesign.org is a broad-based, anti-DRM campaign that is targeting Big Media, unhelpful manufacturers and DRM distributors. It aims to make all manufacturers wary about bringing their DRM-enabled products to market. The campaign aims to identify "defective" products for the consumer. Users are being asked to stand up in defense of their existing freedoms and to take action by joining at DefectiveByDesign.org
About the Free Software Foundation
The Free Software Foundation, founded in 1985, is dedicated to promoting computer users' right to use, study, copy, modify, and redistribute computer programs. The FSF promotes the development and use of free (as in freedom) software - particularly the GNU operating system and its GNU/Linux variants - and free documentation for free software. The FSF also helps to spread awareness of the ethical and political issues of freedom in the use of software. Their Web site, located at www.fsf.org , is an important source of information about GNU/Linux. Donations to support their work can be made at http://fsf.org/join They are headquartered in Boston, MA, USA.
About this Press Release
This press release is not endorsed or approved by Microsoft, or the Zune. No claims made above are approved or authorized by Microsoft.