News
France adopts toned down iTunes interoperability law
French lawmakers on Friday adopted a toned down version of the controversial law that could force Apple to open up its iPod and iTunes copy-protection technology. The law, which aims to make content from digital media stores compatible with all portable devices, could tempt Apple to shut down the iTunes Music Store in France. “In its initial form, the bill would have forced online stores like iTunes to drop barriers that prevent songs it sells being played on portable MP3 devices and computers designed to work with another music store,” reports Reuters. “But after amendments introduced in the Senate, the law allows companies to argue that measures to restrict the technical compatibility of songs or films sold online were undertaken at the request of the authors.”
Related Stories
- iBooks Author EULA draws criticism
- Apple posts streaming video of education event
- Apple releases iTunes 10.5.3 with support for iTunes U
- Coverage of Apple’s education event begins at 10AM ET
- Apple education event to focus on content, K-12 market
- Apple working with McGraw-Hill, to launch ‘GarageBand’ for textbooks?
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- Apple TV supplies constrained, hint at new model?
- 16GB iPad 2 sees deep discount ahead of new model
- Apple sues Motorola in U.S. over Qualcomm patents
- iLounge Weekly coming early Monday, giveaway reminder
- iBackFlip launches Somersault case for iPad
- Motorola loses third patent case against Apple in Germany
- Apple rushing to pick demo apps for next iPad launch
- Apple airs new Siri-focused iPhone 4S ads
- Periscope Audio Lab releases SpaceSampler
- Evernote Hello improves contact entry features
Recent Reviews
- Cygnett Apollo for iPhone 4/4S
- Case-Mate Pop! ID for iPhone 4/4S
- Case-Mate Pop! for iPhone 4/4S
- Case-Mate Pop! With Stand for iPhone 4/4S
- Solid Line Products RightShift 2 Removable Keyboard Case for iPad 2
- Spigen SGP Kuel F60Q Battery Pack
- Just Mobile Highway + Highway Pro for iPod, iPhone + iPad
- Speck CandyShell and CandyShell Satin for iPhone 4/4S
- Jensen JiPS-310i Docking Speaker for iPod, iPhone & iPad
- FrappeDesign Smart Sleeve for iPad 2
Recent Articles
- iOS Gems: Adventures of Tintin, Reckless Racing 2 + Scramble With Friends
- Ask iLounge 2-3-12
- Making The Case For - And Against - An Apple iTV Television
- Instant Expert: iTunes U for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch
- Instant Expert: Secrets & Features of iBooks 2.0
- iLounge’s 2012 CES Best of Show Awards: Honorable Mentions
- iLounge’s 2012 CES Best of Show Awards: iPod, iPhone, iPad + Mac
- iOS Gems: Bug Princess, Dora Hops Into Phonics, It’s A Small World, Sleepy Jack + X Is For X-Ray
- The Complete Guide to Managing iTunes Videos
- Editorial: As CES Grows, Will Microsoft’s Loss Be Apple’s Gain?
1
I would hope that the other nations in Europe and Scandinavia do not follow France’s suit. In recent armed conflicts I seem to recall that the French word for ‘charge’ is SURENDER. I sincerely hope that in the same vain as the Freedom Fries, Apple tells the French government to Manger la Merde
Posted by Paul Bernheimer on July 1, 2006 at 8:48 AM (PDT)
2
I have a Creative Mp3 player and I have downloaded many songs from iTunes. To put those songs on my Creative player all I do is burn a CD of all the songs then re-insert the CD and then transfer it to my Windows Media player or my Creative Music player.
Posted by Levi on July 1, 2006 at 1:31 PM (PDT)
3
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I’m sick of this issue. I prefer AAC and the iPod for tunes, however it is not my only device.
My phone has over 1GB of storage that’s just aching for some music. It wont replace my iPod, but there are times when it is inappropriate or undesirable to carry both. When that happens the phone always wins.
So what I’m asking for is for Apple and the others to grow up. Keeping the system(s) inflexible will eventually cause users to switch. iTunes and the iTunes Music store is nothing without the iPod. If the iPod remains inflexible then it’s days are numbered. Similarly if the others continue to be unable to play either aac or protected aac, then they too will continue to fail. Both sides need to come to the table and shut the f*** up and listen to us and to each other and come up with one common encoding system they both can support.
I’m already finding itunes stale and increasingly less useful for managing my media content. As I find myself using more devices that do not run aac, I can honestly see myself switching just because of the
interoperability issue.
*I know I can use mp3 format but often I dont have the time or inclination to go through the process. I hate making coasters for one-off tracks. However, this issue is increaingly going to be about videos and cross encoding to mp3 isn’t going to solve that.
Posted by gilatrout on July 6, 2006 at 5:31 AM (PDT)