Search Results for: blog is drm free music a privacy threat

Is DRM-Free Music A Privacy Threat?

Recently I told you about the new iTunes Plus service that allows users to download protection-free (DRM-free) music selections from the iTunes store for a slightly higher price than standard music downloads. With DRM-free music downloads, sound is said to be of higher quality with less interference noise. DRM-free music can also be loaded onto other devices to play the the tracks, and the music can also be illegally shared over peer to peer networks. It was recently discovered, however, that these DRM-free tracks contain unencrypted details of the person originally purchasing the download, namely their name and e-mail address. … Continue reading →

New iPods Coming in August?

Rumor has it that the next generation of Apple iPods, the sixth, will be hitting Apple stores as soon as the beginning of August. Many people are speculating about what new features will be available on the new iPods. For example, will they feature a touch screen interface? New operating system? New colors? Well the best guesses are as follows. The new iPods will probably not feature a touch-screen interface. I think that would take too much away from the glory and newness of the Apple iPhones. I think that the touch screen will eventually come to the iPod, but … Continue reading →

Microsoft Copy Protection Hacked (Again)

Copy protecting music files that are purchased or shared electronically has always been an issue for the music industry. Elaborate DRM (Digital Rights Management) technology has been developed as a way to stop, or at least curb illegal sharing of music files. But DRM technology, at least when it relates to the Microsoft Windows Media software, is a target for hackers. The hackers claim that it is unfair to have restrictions on music files that have been legally purchased. For example, if you purchase a song and want to have it on more than one device, such as a desktop, … Continue reading →

Computing Review: June 2nd through June 8th

Have you been following all of the adventure with the iPhone? Or how about checking out those fun widgets. Just in case you’ve missed any of the computing blogs for this past week, here they are for your browsing pleasure. June 2nd iTunes Plus Apple recently unveiled the new iTunes Plus service for iTunes customers. With the service, you can download higher quality audio tracks that are DRM-free for an extra fee. But is it worth it? DRM is the technology that protects music tracks from piracy. The drawback to DRM is that the quality of a track can suffer. … Continue reading →