Microsoft to Make Zune DRM-free?

Close on the heels of Apple’s announcement of calling an end to Digital Rights Management (DRM) Policy, Microsoft has confirmed that it is all set to follow the same path. The software manufacturer said it will offer DRM-free music from EMI and others, on its MP3 player, Zune.

According to news reports, Microsoft’s head of marketing for Zune, Jason Reindorp hinted that a deal with EMI could be close, while an EMI spokesperson said “Negotiations with other platforms, such as Zune, are continuing.” Reindorp is reported to have said that Microsoft has been saying for a while that they are aware that consumers want to have unprotected content. He added that this potentially makes the competition more of a device-to-device or service-to-service basis, and will force the various services to really innovate.

Earlier this week, EMI had announced that customers would be able to buy premium quality tracks without DRM software attached from iTunes for 99p, while standard sound quality would still be available with DRM for 79p. Those who have purchased standard tracks with DRM will be able to upgrade their music for 20p per track.

EMI’s decision, which will probably put pressure on other major labels was prompted by the disappointing growth in digital music sales, and complaints from customers that they could not play music bought from iTunes on other devices, due to its controversial DRM policy, Fairplay.

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