Report: Apple ‘DRM-Free’ iTunes Not A Windows Media Fan

Although much has been made about Apple’s decision to drop copy-protection from iTunes Plus, the option still keeps music lovers tethered to a limit range of media players, according to a Wednesday report.

Unlike unprotected MP3 files, iTunes Plus creates songs that won’t work on devices requiring Microsoft’s Windows Media Player, the Chicago Tribune reported.

In a survey of compatibility of iTunes Plus purchases with a number of non-iPod music players, Chicago Tribune’s Eric Benderoff found iTunes Plus songs use the AAC file format.

“The problem is that Apple’s ‘unprotected files’ are in AAC format, which Windows Media player does not support,” Benderoff wrote.

While iTunes Plus songs can be played on Microsoft’s Zune, other digital music devices, including from Creative or Sansa, rely on the ubiquitous Windows media software.

Rivals, such as Amazon, sell digital songs in MP3 format, allowing music to be played no matter the maker.

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