MS Rebrands PlaysForSure

Microsoft today said it was rebranding its well-known PlaysForSure copy protection scheme to Certified for Windows Vista, driving users to make a connection between the media digital rights management (DRM) scheme and the company's newest operating system. The decision will see media players, music phones, and similar devices use the new logo and places these in the same category as unrelated products such as digital cameras and printers. Microsoft has not explained the reasons for the decision but is believed to have made the choice as a marketing move.

The choice has already drawn criticisms that Microsoft is adding unnecessary confusion for its media player strategy. Existing media players frequently support Windows Vista but may not necessarily meet the criteria of supporting Microsoft's anti-copying format or Windows Media Player. The firm's own Zune series currently synchronizes only with its own Zune software and does not play any protected music except for its own DRM format. PlaysForSure has also been compatible with Windows XP systems and is not expected to work with Vista alone in the near future. [via Engadget]

By Electronista Staff