Microsoft calls iPod users 'thieves'

Dom · Oct 4, 2004, 07:41 PM

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer doesn't think Apple will lead the way to tomorrow's digital home - and describes iPod users as music thieves.

Speaking in London, Ballmer praised Microsoft's own digital rights management technologies, taking the chance to criticise Apple's own implementation. "We’ve had DRM in Windows for years," he said, "the most common format of music on an iPod is ‘stolen'." It's a sign of the increasingly bitter battle between Apple and Microsoft to create the de facto standard for music downloads.

He described the sector as at "tipping point", and predicted massively increased sales for devices that integrate video, audio and computer functions. "We may get a device that can take on critical mass," he said, according to Silicon.com.
Ballmer took a swipe at Microsoft's only significant non-Linux OS competitor, as he talked up his company's dominance of the market, a dominance that is currently before the European courts.

"There is no way that you can get there with Apple," he said, "The critical mass has to come from the PC, or a next-generation video device," he said.

He thinks Microsoft's freedom to innovate - and its Media Centres, Players and media playing software will drive the new industry.

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Source: MacWorld

XSwiftX · Oct 5, 2004, 01:17 AM

I guess Microsofts definition of thief is "Someone who uses something not made by them".

Think I can sue them for libel? Defamation of character?

Oct 4, 2004, 07:41 PM	#1
Dom DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 12,940 Rep Power: 0	Microsoft calls iPod users 'thieves' Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer doesn't think Apple will lead the way to tomorrow's digital home - and describes iPod users as music thieves. Speaking in London, Ballmer praised Microsoft's own digital rights management technologies, taking the chance to criticise Apple's own implementation. "We’ve had DRM in Windows for years," he said, "the most common format of music on an iPod is ‘stolen'." It's a sign of the increasingly bitter battle between Apple and Microsoft to create the de facto standard for music downloads. He described the sector as at "tipping point", and predicted massively increased sales for devices that integrate video, audio and computer functions. "We may get a device that can take on critical mass," he said, according to Silicon.com. Ballmer took a swipe at Microsoft's only significant non-Linux OS competitor, as he talked up his company's dominance of the market, a dominance that is currently before the European courts. "There is no way that you can get there with Apple," he said, "The critical mass has to come from the PC, or a next-generation video device," he said. He thinks Microsoft's freedom to innovate - and its Media Centres, Players and media playing software will drive the new industry. _______________________ Source: MacWorld

Oct 5, 2004, 01:17 AM	#2
XSwiftX DriverHeaven Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 64 Rep Power: 0	I guess Microsofts definition of thief is "Someone who uses something not made by them". Think I can sue them for libel? Defamation of character?