The BlackBerry PlayBook is one of the most hyped up tablets of 2011 due in part to the brand new QNX operating system. But that and all the power in the world can’t save it from the worst crutch â€" DRM. RIM has employed 7Digital as the PlayBook’s sole online music store. Mind you, 7Digital is chock full of DRM-laden music limited to a certain number (5) of devices with further restrictions such as the inability to use said “purchased†content as ringtones and/or notification alerts. Adding insult to injury, you are only allowed to download your “purchased†content a set number of times and 7 Digital can even change the terms of the contract (and further limit the number devices/downloads you can make use of) as they see fit.
With two of the market leaders â€" Amazon and Apple â€" already years ahead of RIM when it comes to catalog size as well as pro-consumer policies in regards to music content, it’s highly disappointing to see RIM start the PlayBook off on such a bad footing out of the gate and not make use of their competitors previous follies. Hopefully RIM can work their magic and re-write the offending licenses and deals neutering their PlayBook music store or flat out find a new partner to deliver the goods. As it stands now, 7Digital is a shackle to an otherwise seemingly great tablet.
Via: Inquirer
Tags: 7digital digital rights management drm playbook RIM
Author: Mike visit my websiteGadget lover, smartphone collector, and beer connoisseur. I've been writing about gadgets for three years now and loving every minute of it. Outside of the digital landscape, I enjoy being active outdoors. I'm always up for a good conversation, so feel free to drop me a line!
