Apple EMI deal changes it all for Microsoft and its Zune

Apple EMI deal changes it all for Microsoft and its Zune

Microsoft had developed their Zune on the same concept that made Apple iPod the largest selling MP3 player in the market.

They developed the Zune along with its own digital music store named the Zune Marketplace. The aim was the get the Zune players to buy music from this store only. Apparently the player did not support the music purchased from the stores which used Microsoft’s PlayForSure technology.

However, things have changed massively in the recent days with Apple releasing DRM free songs in cooperation with EMI. These songs are playable on most digital media players out there including the Zune.

As a result, now Zune owners are free to purchase their media from the Apple iTunes although at a slightly higher price.

Now Microsoft has announced that they too would release DRM free music in collaboration with the music companies. The company said in a statement: “The EMI announcement on Monday was not exclusive to Apple. Consumers have made it clear that unprotected music is something they want. We plan on offering it to them as soon as our label partners are comfortable with it.”

Interestingly, the same company had some harsh words for Steve Jobs of Apple when he publicly said that the company wants to go DRM Free.