Most readers will be aware that EMI has scoped out opportunities to offer music without DRM over online services. But apparently, none of the major online distributors (including Apple, Microsoft, RealNetworks, Yahoo!) wants to bet their money on DRM-free offerings.

I don't fault Microsoft, as the firm already licenses its DRM technologies to facilitate interoperability between offerings from different parties and has shown itself to respect the rights of content creators. RealNetworks has reverse engineered FairPlay so that DRMd songs from its music service can play on the iPod, and has not tried to play Jobsian PR games with consumers. However, Apple and Yahoo!, after calling for the elimination of DRM, evidently, don't want to put their money where their mouth is. Not the least bit surprising.

posted by Noel Le @ 5:22 PM | DRM & Watermarks, etc.

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