Microsoft deal may lead to free, but "watermarked" music
Microsoft has agreed to license its audio watermarking technology to Activated Content Corp. of Seattle. We all know watermarking's place as a part of the music industry's DRM toolbox, but Activated—already a DRM watermarking player—now wants to use Microsoft's watermarking technology to get into the advertising business. Watermarks... and ads? Yep.
According to the announcement of the deal, "Microsoft's audio watermarking technology consists of digital audio software tools that will allow Activated Content to insert and extract non-secure data into audio files that they can use to offer additional services to the audio file end users." DRM provides few "additional services" to end users, so it's clear that the two companies are either taking the concept of "spin" to new levels or else they're talking about something else entirely.
