I had this tired argument the other day with yet another person who bought some crap 3rd rate MP3 player which doesn’t work with iTunes etc.

So for the record here’s how it works:

Apple’s iTunes store/DRM is not a lock in.
It is both optional: users are not tied to subscriptions plans and can use [...]

This might be handy for anyone who experiences what I’ve just been through.

My iTunes library is stored on a shared disk (networked via an Airport Extreme base station) which works nicely.

However, after trying to import a troublesome CD my machine refused to play any music purchased through iTunes Music Store and then, to cap it [...]

There’s a fucking ocean of terrible press and dire reviews for the Zune out there but this one pulls no punches.

To be honest it’s tough to quote the best (worst) bits of the review, I could easily just cut and paste the whole thing!

Quotes…

“Microsoft’s new Zune digital music player is just plain dreadful … the [...]

Zune is released!

As pointed out on MDN, CNN had a slot about the new Zune launch on the morning show today and, well, basically ridiculed it.

There’s a ream of choice quotes but my favourite has to be from one of the hosts…

“Why don’t [Microsoft] get some decent design people to make things look [...]

Good to see the music industry is in touch and actively promoting new music.

Who really cares that the Beatles back catalogue is going to be available online. What does it even mean – online?!

What are EMI and Apple Corps getting all excited about? Why would you want to buy [...]

Ok, this has now made the Radio Four news so to put my wife out of her misery I’ll rant about it here instead of to her!

So Rich, what do you think?

Well, I’m glad you asked…

Apple Corps should get into the 21st century. Stop stifling innovation and do something positive – you just look [...]