Nokia to embed Microsoft PlayReady on devices

Nokia Corp. said it will embed anti-piracy software from Microsoft Corp. on its Series 60 and Series 40 handsets.
The world’s largest mobile-phone manufacturer said it will include Microsoft’s DRM solution, dubbed PlayReady, on both Symbian-enabled devices and feature phones beginning next year. The agreement expands on Nokia’s 2005 pact to include Windows Media player on its phones.
PlayReady supports a host of audio and video formats including Windows Media Audio and Windows Media Video as well as AAC, AAC+ and H.264. The technology also is backward-compatible with Windows Media DRM 10.
The deal may mark an important step toward addressing the fragmented market of mobile DRM solutions, which analysts believe has hindered uptake of wireless content. And the collaboration may be a shot across the bow of Apple Inc., as Nokia is rumored to be working on a digital music storefront for computers and mobile phones that would rival Apple’s iTunes.
“People are increasingly using their mobile devices for enjoying digital content such as music, games, videos and photos,” said Ilkka Raiskinen, Nokia’s senior vice president of multimedia experiences. “By adding support for Microsoft PlayReady technology, we are enabling service providers to offer a wide range of content and create truly compelling experiences across mobile devices, personal computers and online services.”