Verizon blocking MP3's?? Anyone??
from: http://engadget.com/2006/01/07/micro...reless -phones/
Microsoft blocking MP3s on Verizon Wireless phones?
Posted Jan 7th 2006 11:27AM by Barb Dybwad
Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio
So there seems to be some fallout from Verizon's music download service -- users who choose to "upgrade" their handsets to support the Verizon Wireless music store are doing so at a tradeoff: you'll no longer be able to play MP3s on your phone. The new phone software prevents you from playing MP3s on the phone as a result of an agreement Verizon Wireless made with Microsoft, the latter of whom stipulated that if the Verizon Wireless music store...
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Celling_it said:
Sorry dude once the phone is flashed with the new software it will only play wma files, but mp3 files will be automatically converted to wma when you use the usb cable and windows media10 to load the songs on the phone. So it is really a non issue as far as that goes. No reason for people to get worked up about it.
No reason to get worked up? You are telling me that I can no longer drag and drop MP3's to my transflash card and play them on my phone. I need to send them to my phone using a USB cable that Verizon does not sell???? Sounds like something to get worked up about to me. Verizon strikes again. 🙄
I don't know why this crap does not get more media coverage.
The Bluetooth thing doesnt bother me that much at all because I doubt i will ever use this technology. I just think the whole issue with the MP3's is like taking 2 steps back after they made 1 step forward. Definately NOT a good move.
I will be keeping version 4. (No need to upgrade as Verizon has YET to have EV-DO available in Nashville...yet Tennessee's much smaller markets have it already.)
Celling_it said:
Do you really think that they will not be selling the USB cables with the launch of vcast. A cable is cheaper than a memory card anyway. Everyone gets all worked up about little things. How many tmes have I heard why doesn't VZW let me sink info into my phone with a usb?? Why do I have to buy apps from get it now? Now VZW is allowing you to do this and you are complaining about that too!!! It is a no win situaton for VZW.
The problem is that they allow this feature by disabling another. It is complete BS. They should allow the USB connectivity AS WELL AS the file transfer via the memory card. It's ridiculous. They are pure communists. And this is from a loyal Verizon customer.
Verizon's clear cut lead in network coverage will not last forever. They are doing precious little to build customer loyalty and IMO will start losing market share as the other networks catch up in terms of coverage.
Only an irrational fanboy could rationalize that VZW's behavior regarding the MP3 issue is anything less than underhanded on Verizon's part.
I also saw another article that the MP3 player funtionality from the phone would be added back later in another update. They didn't want to confuse people with two different interfaces. Later the MP3 capability will work from within the same music player. It's also been noted that on the 8100 you can go in to the internal menu's and turn the MP3 player back on.
Also to settle speculation there will be means to transfer Wma to your phone. I'm absolutly confounded by the lack of real information on this topic since the rollout is not till Jan 16th. Its all speculation and direct reps like myself are not allowed to give out any non public info. Also to settle another previous post I do not have any memo saying that we will fru out phones with old software ..selectron will be informing custs that choose to get this optional upgrade about the lack of direct Mp3 compatiablity.
We shall see.
Windows Media 10 has very good DRM,
DRM is "Keeping Honest People Honest"
DRM is "Keeping RIAA Happy"
WMA instead of MP3 == Keeping MS Happy (Licenses Sold for anything and Everything "Windows Media" verion x.xx)
WMA is a sub-par format (with a mirriad of unknown codecs) to MP3 since it's completely closed, hack-prone, etc.
So is ADTRAC(1/2/5) (ala SONY MINI DISC/Sonic Stage/Mega Drive). (Also has DRM stong DRM)
So is AAC (ala Apple iPOD).
This goes right along with their Meida Center PC initiatives - stuff and all other.
The only way VZW stepped into this "pile of..."
is because their equipment uses Microsoft Operating Sys...
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