Talking points on the issue of DRM
Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at August 30th, 2007
The Nokia N81 … not to be confused with the “Nokia iPhone” … at least not yet 
Very interesting points were raised during the talk on Nokia digital music forum today. A lot of DRM issues were shed to light as well as new developments in the music industry. Most of these insights come from Sandy Monteiro who is the SVP for Digital Music, Universal Music.
- Apple did a good job of marketing their “DRM free” music when in reality this isn’t truly the case. Having an artist’s name and title is DRM. The fact that Apple only made the download available in AAC format isn’t truly “DRM free” either. Making it available only in the iTunes Store is also a sign that this is not also truly “DRM free.”
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A new technology is being explored to allow music sharing via Bluetooth or through other means. It involves having the fourth or fifth person paying only a fraction of the cost via wireless sharing (IrDA or Bluetooth) of what the original person had to pay when he or she downloaded the music. This is sort of like a “human Bit torrent” effect. Or the new pyramid scheme for DRM
- In the future, music tracks can be remixed by anyone. Let’s say you have a Frank Sinatra song – you can rearrange the instruments (instead of wind instruments you can use strings) and then upload your version of the song to the Internet. The user community can then download the song and you get a royalty fee. The music tracks that participate in this program have the prior approval of the artists and the record label. Interesting?
These were some of the more interesting points raised for the future of digital music. What do you think?
Online Mobile Retail: What happens to the telcos?
Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at August 30th, 2007
In the past five years, the telco industry in the Philippines has become a “retail hub” for over the air downloads of mobile content including games, ring tones and other services. But what happens when companies release their own proprietary distribution hub?
Nokia, the most important brand in South East Asia launched Ovi at the Go Play event yesterday in Singapore. In the same way that Apple has their .Mac and iTunes Online Store, Microsoft has their own music store for th Zune. Nintendo has their shopping channel for th virtual console, Nokia unveils their plans for a portal by which consumers can avail of direct downloads of songs and games over their own proprietary portal.
This is a consumer boon — but what happens to the telcos (Globe and SMART in particular back here in the Philippines)? According to Vishal Gondal, founder and CEO of Indiagames, the telcos have become so-so when it comes to the promotion of mobile games. Usually, top tier games are the ones downloaded (those appearing on the top links of download portals). But what happens to the rest of the inventory of titles?
Ofcourse, telcos still provide the actual streaming service for downloads and earn from the data costs. But OTA downloads is the least popular choice in countries like the Philippines because most of the Philippine population uses a prepaid service OR are not really that educated about DRM-enabled music (piracy here is a big thing).
Ovi allows for downloads via PC or WiFi. Also, remeber that the new music downloads will be available at a higher bitrate of 192kbps, which is a much larger file compared to the smaller “optimized for mobile” 64kbps files.
Ovi promises to offer more value not just with downloads, but by merging the whole digital mobile experience with your desktop PC and your friends via online community support. Can the telcos challenge this business model?
Nokia Go Play and Good Night, Singapore!
Posted by Jayvee Fernandez at August 30th, 2007
Taken from Equinox at the 70th floor of Swissotel. After an eye opening press conference and performances from the local talent, a few of us went out for some drinks before calling it a night. Media workshops tomorrow!
I wrote a few things about this afternoon’s Nokia Go Play event at Cellphone9:
During the media party, I was stunned by one particular performance by Corrinne May. Her music is eloquent, flowing, evangelical, and passionate. Her latest album is titled Beautiful Seed.
P.S. The Hainanese Chicken is to die for.
