Crazy Norwegians want to make iTunes 'œopen'

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Monday, 29 September 2008 21:50

Opinion and Analysis

What about the fact that Nokia N-Series devices can connect to iTunes and have those DRM-free tracks transfer smoothly across? Visit Nokia’s Mac site for details, Mr Thon, as you seem to be unaware.

Oh, and have you heard about the brand new BlackBerry Bold that is also able to perform this feat, Mr Thon?

Perhaps you’ve been too busy keeping out of the cold or something up there in Norway, but things have moved on, and while Apple might not be happy about it, the iPod and the iPhone aren’t the only devices than can sync with iTunes.

Sure, the BlackBerry and Nokia N-Series phones might not do it quite as smoothly as the iPod, but it works!!

And if these two companies can figure out how to get their devices to iTunes, then surely other companies can figure it out, too.

Apple has a growing catalog of DRM-free tracks, and while I don’t know the specifics, I wonder how much music-label pushback there is against making more tracks DRM-free?

After all, Steve Jobs declared he was in favour of DRM-free music, and then proceeded to make it happen, driving the DRM-free music revolution. I didn't see you doing that, Mr Thon!

Look, Mr Thon, if you’ve really got nothing better to do than hassle Apple, here’s a clue for you: stop your Apple hasslerik-a-Thon, and time to set your guns against DRM in movies and games.

The anti-DRM battle hasn’t been entirely won in music, for there are plenty of DRM-music stores out there. And nothing stops consumers from buying most CDs and importing them into iTunes without DRM.

But DRM on videos and games is a much bigger issue than whether iTunes can synchronise with other devices, or whether you can transfer Fairplay-DRM tracks from iTunes to other devices.

If that’s your concern, then don’t buy DRM-laden tracks – there is a growing number of DRM-free music stores out there.

Chasing after Apple to open up iTunes is barking up the wrong tree, Erik. Set your sights against DRM in movies and games instead, and we’ll take you seriously.

Until then... good luck! Fighting against Apple, you're definitely going to need it.