OzHub, the Macquarie Telecom-led cloud computing alliance, has come down firmly on the side of Optus over the copyright controversy surrounding Optus TV Now, warning that any moves to change the law "risk branding Australia a global luddite state."
Microsoft has unleashed Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP but promises its look, feel and capabilities are a preview of what's to come in Windows Vista. The new Microsoft desktop player is designed to be used with URGE, MTV Networks online digital music service and is compatible with portable players using Microsoft's PlaysForSure DRM.
New features include improved organization of
music using thumbnail and album art, as well as audio fingerprinting
capabilities that recognize and import track information for
unidentified or misnamed audio files and tracks ripped from CDs.
Improvements have also been made to the navigation, searching and
management of video and still management content, as well as syncing
with compatible portable video devices.
Despite Microsoft's intention to go off in a completely different and
incompatible direction with its Zune player and Zune Marketplace online
store in a few weeks, the news of the release Windows Media Player 11
with the integrated URGE service has been welcomed by Microsoft's music
player vendor partners, soon to be competitors.
"Consumers are demanding more flexibility and options when it comes to
downloading content to their portable media players," said Andrew Yang,
COO of iriver America. "When combined with Windows-based devices such
as the iriver clix, Windows Media Player 11 provides the most complete
solution for accessing, downloading and managing their digital
libraries."
"Windows Media Player 11 is another significant step forward in
bringing consumers a better digital music experience," said Eric Bone,
director of product marketing of audio and video products at SanDisk.
"By integrating SanDisk's line of Sansa MP3 players with the new
Windows Media Player, we're giving consumers the ultimate choice of how
they manage and where they get their music."
MTV was similarly glowing with praise accompanying news of the release.
"MTV Networks' collaboration with Microsoft on Media Player 11 gives
URGE users a fully immersive and integrated music and entertainment
experience," said Michael Bloom, vice president of Digital Music at MTV
Networks and general manager of URGE. "Our expertise in music
programming and design combined with Microsoft's technology gives music
fans the best way to discover and stay connected with the music and
artists they love."
A few weeks from now, however, when Microsoft releases its PlaysForSure
incompatible Zune player and Zune marketplace, Microsoft's partners may
well be singing a different tune.
David Frost
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