PARIS Describing the act as "courageous" and "forward thinking," the French minister of culture said the government would press ahead with a law that would effectively outlaw Apple's popular iTunes online music system.
All music and videos purchased from the iTunes Web site, which can currently only be played using Apple's own iTunes software and iPod devices, must be playable by other devices and software programs, the minister, Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, said during an interview Thursday.
The law seeks to establish the principle of interoperability, meaning that all digital music or video purchased online should be not be limited to one manufacturer's device. Sony, which operates its Sony Connect service in a similarly exclusive way, would also be affected.
All music and videos purchased from the iTunes Web site, which can currently only be played using Apple's own iTunes software and iPod devices, must be playable by other devices and software programs, the minister, Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, said during an interview Thursday.
The law seeks to establish the principle of interoperability, meaning that all digital music or video purchased online should be not be limited to one manufacturer's device. Sony, which operates its Sony Connect service in a similarly exclusive way, would also be affected.
Minister in France defends iPod law - Technology - International Herald Tribune: ""