MS XP cripples MP3s
MP3 files do not allow copyright management technologies and are therefore the target of a concerted effort by tech companies as well as content providers. Microsoft will cripple its MP3 software in Windows XP to reduce the quality of music while Windows Media Audio will offer higher quality playback despite smaller file sizes. One analyst describes the sound of MP3s on XP as "somebody in a phone booth underwater." Beta testers of Windows XP have reported that third-party MP3 tools do not function properly on the platform.
Microsoft gives licenses for the Media Audio away at no cost and the audio technology is already supported by major hand-held music players. While RealNetworks has not degraded MP3 quality, it is encouraging the use of Real Audio 8. Other formats are also being promoted based on the Advanced Audio Codec.
More information is at internetnews.com, theregister.co.uk and pcworld.com.
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