14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has introduced a new mobile DRM package called PlayReady that is to bring more digital media options to mobile network operators. So far, several mobile operators are planning to implement PlayReady in selected handsets, including O2, Verizon Wireless and Cingular Wireless/AT&T.
PlayReady's focus will be music, video, games, ringtones and images that will be distributed via subscription, rental and other means. It will also be compatible with Windows Media DRM 10, that will enable mobile phones to play DRMed content from online stores. PlayReady was designed for mobile phones and smartphones to support Windows Media DRM 10 and PFS files.
Microsoft will also provide an interoperability program allowing other content providers with DRM to make use of the technology. The main purpose of the technology is to enable the company to extend its DRM models into the subscription and pay-per-view mobile market.
"Microsoft PlayReady will have an immediate positive impact on the mobile entertainment market," said PacketVideo CEO James C. Brailean, who is partnering with Microsoft to provide optimized versions of the PlayReady software for various popular handsets. "With the rapid growth of mobile content services, Microsoft PlayReady technology will quickly emerge as a mission-critical ingredient for new consumer applications because it combines greater flexibility for content and services with a rock-solid technology foundation."
What information seems to be left out at the moment is whether PlayReady comes with support for the DRM that Microsoft is currently using for Zune, but we're surely going to find out soon.
According to Microsoft, PlayReady is expected to become available for service providers in the first half of this year. It will be available as a "well-documented porting kit with source code, so it can be deployed on any mobile hardware or software platform, including low-end devices." PlayReady will be demonstrated at the 3GSM Conference in Barcelona this week.