Sony Just Doesn’t Get It
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Just when it appears that Sony/BMG is getting the picture, they pull off the single worst idea in the history of the company (ok, maybe not).
Sony/BMG has decided to abandon DRM (the software that keeps you from playing files purchased on iTunes on your Zune) like the other three major record labels have done. However, unlike the other three major labels, who struck deals with Amazon to offer these downloads online, you’ll have to go to the store and purchase the right to download the DRM-free tracks.
You might as well just pick up the cd while you are at the store and rip it yourself to produce a DRM-free mp3 file (oh, wait Sony doesn’t let you do that either). That will lead consumers to doing one of two things to get a DRM-free file. They can either steal it through file sharing networks or find workarounds to current DRM schemes.
My current favorite workaround is that iTunes allows you to burn a cd from your files. Burn a cd from a purchase that you made and then re-import into iTunes. Then you have a DRM-free mp3 or AAC file to listen on whatever device you choose.
I really had hoped that Sony had seen the light on this one and I am sorely disappointed. I’m not surprised as Sony has been the most ardent about DRMing everything in sight, but I was hoping that its recent performance and management shakeup would be enough to change things. I guess we’ll have to wait to see if the other shoe drops and Sony’s sales tank some more. Only then will they see that it costs them more than its worth to continue this stand.
UPDATE (1/10): It appears that Sony will sell through Amazon.com after all. Good move