Tag: Michael Gartenberg
Why Is DRM-Free Music Tagged With Name and E-Mail? Apple Keeps Mum
by admin on Feb.03, 2008, under Freie Musik
Apple has declined to explain why its new DRM-free music files are watermarked with users’ names and e-mail addresses.Earlier this week, Apple iTunes 7.2 brought the new ability to download tracks from EMI Records without copy protection. But the unprotected files are labeled with the buyer’s details, leading some to wonder if Apple is appending the information as an anti-piracy measure.
But Apple is remaining mum about its reasoning.
An Apple spokesman suggested by e-mail that Wired News contact Michael Gartenberg, an analyst at Jupiter Research who has been briefed about iTunes Plus. The Apple spokesman didn’t respond to further requests for comment.
Gartenberg said there are many reasons why Apple would want to tag music sold through the iTunes store. The information could be used as a proof of purchase, or to facilitate upgrades (songs previously bought through iTunes can be upgraded to higher fidelity versions for an extra 30 cents). The identifier could help identify songs missing from albums (iTunes offers a “complete album” feature), as well as to thwart piracy. (continue reading…)
