Creative is reported to have succumbed to recording industry pressure by releasing a Firmware update for a couple of its players which disables the FM recording feature.
The firmware modification affects the company's Zen MicroPhoto and Zen Vision:M players. In the release notes, Creative gives no reasoning for the changes, simply noting, "this firmware removes your player's FM recording feature."
In the past, the music industry has argued that recording audio from the radio harms music sales. More recently, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) dealt a lawsuit to XM Satellite Radio, alleging XM was guilty of "massive wholesale infringement" which was "fundamentally unfair to songwriters and labels."
The update does provide Zen users with some decent enhancements, such as support for Audible Type 4 tracks, the addition of a volume restriction feature, and enhancements to the user interface and usability. However, many consumers may be discouraged from updating in order to spare the FM recording feature.
Source:
Betanews
In the past, the music industry has argued that recording audio from the radio harms music sales. More recently, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) dealt a lawsuit to XM Satellite Radio, alleging XM was guilty of "massive wholesale infringement" which was "fundamentally unfair to songwriters and labels."
The update does provide Zen users with some decent enhancements, such as support for Audible Type 4 tracks, the addition of a volume restriction feature, and enhancements to the user interface and usability. However, many consumers may be discouraged from updating in order to spare the FM recording feature.
Source:
Betanews
