Windows Media for Embedded Linux Systems

ntmonkey writes "According to this article, Microsoft has authorized InterVideo to port Windows Media Player to Linux. However, WMP will not be available to normal folks...Microsoft will only allow it to be distributed via set top boxes and the like."

Indeed.

[numbski]

"If you register the player online, which involves answering some very personal questions and effectively allowing Microsoft a good look at your PC, then you get the full version. Otherwise you're left with a cut down version.

"If they applied this tactic to Linux users, imagine the information they could get their hands on."

Indeed.

Even if they ported it, would you use it with those stipulations?

One word. MPlayer [mplayerhq.hu].

Re:How are they going to pull this one off?

[malfunct]

Why would they have to release source for a linux application that they write? Sure if they derive from another GPL application they would have to release, but I am pretty sure they would to a port that didn't derive from anything and could stay closed.

Having it closed sort of sucks because other competing players can't use the codecs. I think MS is just trying to make WMP9 video formats the defacto industry standard.

dupe or NOT?

[ehudokai]

This may not be a dupe as it clarifies that Microsoft is not going to allow the port of WMP to be used in regular linux boxes, so all of the discussions about GPL licensing are mute!

Way to go Microsoft! You never let us down in our expectations of your imperialist powers

Ok, Karma burning time...

[Geekonomical]

Who is ordinary folk? You mean the person who bought set top box is extraordinary?

I repeat : It is not a crime to earn money with software, YET.

Re:XBox?

[SoftCoreHonesty]

XBox line of products

Somehow I don't see Microsoft releasing a version of their XBox with Linux on it. If you read the article it is for set top boxes.

Depends on architecture

[numbski]

If they use i386, I can count it in minutes. :)

If they use something else, could be a LOOOOOONG time.

Re:How long before someone copies it?

[Vodak]

Didn't you read the recent court ruling? Federal Judges have said Reverse engineering is now illegal under the DMCA. so if someone makes "a hack" they can be throwin in the can.

Re:Break

[Transient0]

Unless they go with Linux to save a little money. Especially if they are a manufacturer.

If you are producing a set-top embedded system and need to put an OS on it, it's WAY cheaper to use Linux than Embedded Windows. The only real cost associated with Linux is tech support, which can be a HUGE cost, but won't be in a system like this because access to the OS will be extremely limited so users won't have an opportunity to fuck it up.

If you make this product using Linux, you are probably doing so to save on costs, thus maximizing profit for you and your shareholders. Chances are ideological issues about free software and open source play little or no role in that decision. As such, you would be more than happy to use a port of MS-WMP and related codecs if that is a convenient and efficient way to handle the media.

Re:Micrsooft and Blue Lasers

[djdole]

Becuase Micro(?)Soft knows that as long as there are people running linux out there, there will be a market share they don't have their grimey fingers in. This way they can get a chunk of change off the sale of the boxes. Or at least get the advertisement from their mediaplayer being on the boxes. I mean even if the person looks at the icon, that's one more place where microsoft has it's name/trademark. Remember when you NEVER thought you'd see Microsoft Software on a Mac? The plague is spreading.

Re:How long ...

[FrostedWheat]

Not long probably.

BUT considering how restricted it would be, who would want to? Xine and MPlayer can already play more codecs and formats than any other commercial player out there could even dream of.

Not for Linux desktops

[IGnatius T Foobar]

This is only for embedded devices. You will not see Windows Media Player for the version of Linux which runs on ordinary computers. Microsoft does not have a monopoly in embedded devices, and probably never will: Linux is beating Microsoft in that market. Therefore, if Microsoft wants its media player to exist in that market, they have to (gasp!) compete by doing drastic things like offering it on other operating systems!

This isn't the first time. Microsoft offers its technologies on other platforms when they don't have a monopoly. FrontPage server extensions have been available for Apache for quite some time, for example.

When you see Windows Media Player downloadable for x86 Linux with the X Window System -- then it's news.

However, it's important to avoid using Windows Media anywhere it is found. This is an area Microsoft wants a monopoly in, and it would be a very bad thing if they achieved it. Choose MPEG, OGG, Real, etc. streams when you can find them -- b**ch and moan to webmasters when you can't find them.

Re:Indeed.

[Anonymous Coward]

Yeah. Considering that it's *really* hard for a program like Windows Media Player to give itself root access when you install it system-wide. One install is all it takes before you start getting service packs without your permission.

Got root? Microsoft does.

MS use open-source?

[mahdi13]

Does it matter? MS has been using open-source code for...umm...ever. Remember when zlib had security problems and needed to be updated?

MS put out the same notice for some of their stuff also...
The great thing about closed source is, nobody has to know that there is some open-source in there

Re:Par for the course...

[Galvatron]

So? Isn't the main point of slashdot the discussion? If you just came here for the articles, then yes, Google news is as good or better.

What's this?!

[erroneus]

Only dedicated devices powered by Linux?

I'm so VERY disppointed... NOT.

MPlayer would be better for such manufacturers to look into. Sure, it may use those codecs, but the interface is all OSS and that's good. Furthermore, using a ported Windows app wouldn't alleviate those pesky codec licensing problems anyway. So really, there's no advantage to using MS's MPlayer in your Linux device at all... unless there's something technical I'm unaware of. Anyone care to enlighten me?

This is an anti-ogg vorbis/anti-linux move

[puppetluva]

Embedded Systems makers beware, supporting this will eventually invalidate the reasons you chose linux in the first place!

This move by Microsoft is to prevent Ogg Vorbis and other free codecs from dominating the Linux embedded market. Once Microsoft has the dominant codec, they'll stop supporting Linux and force you to buy some flavor of embedded windows or other platform they control to stay in business.

As soon as Microsoft has finished using its codecs to control the media-format choices in the embedded and desktop market, they will charge out the wazoo for this stuff and pry your Linux options out of your hands. DON'T FALL FOR IT. This is not a new strategy, most people LEARN of it through Micrsoft.