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The UK is finally making it legal to rip a CD on June 1st
After a lengthy two-year legislative process, the UK is nearly ready to drag its copyright law into the digital era. The country's Intellectual Property Office has published the final version of copyright exceptions that make it legal to rip CDs and otherwise shift formats. As of June 1st, Brits can copy media as much as they like for personal use. Institutions can also make duplicates for backups or research, and the Secretary of State can tell copyright holders to make content accessible if paying for an alternative format isn't practical. Out-and-out piracy is still forbidden, of course, but the new measures should let locals modernize their media collections without feeling a twinge of guilt. [Image credit: Jonathon Colman, Flickr]
Fallout 3 removing Games for Windows Live support, DRM on Steam [Update: Bethesda responds]
A recently-released patch for the Steam version of Bethesda's post-apocalyptic RPG Fallout 3 suggests that its Games for Windows Live support and DRM is being removed, likely in response to the service's decline and marketplace closure. NeoGAF reports that the update removes Fallout 3's SupportsCDKeyCopyToClipboard, ShowCDKeyOnLaunch, and legacy key registry functions -- all key components of Games for Windows Live integration. Blue's News finds that the game still installs the Games for Windows Live client upon launch, however. Uninstalling the client currently renders Fallout 3 inoperable. Several games have ditched Games for Windows Live support in recent months, including BioShock 2, Batman: Arkham City, and Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2. Several Microsoft-published PC releases and high-profile games like Dark Souls and Grand Theft Auto 4 still require Games for Windows Live to function. [Update: A Bethesda spokesperson has contacted Joystiq with clarification regarding the recent update. "We have not removed GFWL from the game," the spokesperson stated. "The only that that has changed is that Steam has removed the need to activate the GFWL codes when purchasing the game."]
Microsoft considered disc-less Xbox One
Following the Xbox One's showing at E3, Microsoft considered eliminating the optical disc drive from the console entirely. "Obviously, after the announcement and E3, there was some feedback about what people wanted to change," Microsoft Studios boss Phil Spencer explained to OXM. "There was a real discussion about whether we should have an optical disc drive in Xbox One or if we could get away with a purely disc-less console, but when you start looking at bandwidth and game size, it does create issues." Spencer elaborated to OXM that Microsoft ultimately decided on adding the Blu-ray drive and giving "the people an easy way to install a lot of content. From some of those original thoughts, you saw a lot of us really focusing on the digital ecosystem you see on other devices - thinking of and building around that." When the Xbox One was first announced, Microsoft envisioned an all-digital, DRM-tuned console, though Microsoft would shortly after change its DRM policies following blowback from the community. Microsoft Senior Director of Product Management Albert Penello has said that folks weren't ready for an all-digital console. "We may have been right. What we were wrong about was that it's just too soon. People just weren't ready to make that leap right away."
Tech's biggest misfires of 2013
You can't win 'em all. The adage certainly holds in the fast-paced world of technology, where one small slip can put a damper on your entire year. Every year, among all of the celebrations of top gadgets and big news stories, we like to take a moment to acknowledge the other side of things. This time out, it's a pretty diverse list, from flubbed Kickstarter launches to massive governmental privacy breaches and yet another really lousy year for one smartphone manufacturer. But don't worry everyone; the year 2013 is nearly over.
Shadowrun Returns drops DRM, may appear on GOG
Harebrained Schemes has announced plans to sell all future copies of Shadowrun Returns (as well as its upcoming expansions) sans pesky digital rights management schemes. "Thanks to a new agreement we were able to negotiate with our partners at Microsoft, Harebrained Schemes is pleased to announce that we are now able to release fully DRM-free versions of Shadowrun Returns and future expansions such as Berlin," reads a message on the Shadowrun Returns Kickstarter page. Other than the removal of DRM, Harebrained Schemes assures fans that these new copies of Shadowrun Returns will receive the same level of developer support as any other version of the game. "You'll be able to download all game patches, use the Shadowrun Returns editor and experience user-generated content downloaded from third-party sites such as Nexus," the message states. Those few who ignored our glowing 4/5 star review and still haven't played Shadowrun Returns may have another chance to pick up the game when it makes its Good Old Games debut. Harebrained Schemes is currently working toward this goal, though there is as yet no word on when or if the game might hit GOG.
Xbox One's DRM policy reversal: an oral history
The Xbox One's DRM policy reversal was unprecedented, and will have lasting impacts for the lifespan of Microsoft's next game console. When the console was originally announced on Microsoft's Redmond, Wash., campus back in May, conflicting reports from Microsoft execs during interviews throughout the day portrayed the Xbox One's digital vision as a scrambled mess. Some execs said the console required an online check-in once every 24 hours; others mentioned different periods of time; some said you could sell used games "for a fee"; others said it wouldn't cost a thing. You get the idea -- there wasn't a clear message, and the reaction from the most vocal of consumers was overwhelmingly negative. Microsoft Senior Director of Product Management Albert Penello lived through the saga. "I always have to be really careful what I say here," he said, prefacing his comments, clearly burnt by the experience earlier this year. Before saying anything else, Penello wanted to reiterate that Microsoft is wholesale committed to the console's current vision: "The thing I want to be super explicit about, because I do think people are worried about, is once we made the decision to go to physical disc security, we're not unwinding that decision. We're committed to the physical disc; we're committed to trading and loaning. This is my official: 'We're not going back on that.' I don't want anybody to think we 'got' them, and then tomorrow I'm gonna go back to the old stuff, 'cause that's not gonna happen." All that said, Penello and the team at Microsoft haven't completely given up on the original vision of a digital future. And some of that vision is even still in the Xbox One arriving on November 22nd.
Ubisoft's Uplay social gaming platform coming to PS4 and Xbox One
Ubisoft's Uplay has a mixed reputation; while it brings rewards and social elements to games, it's also known for its internet-based copy protection and occasional security risks. However much you like the service, it's sticking around -- Ubisoft has confirmed that Uplay is coming to both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The "full scope" of the service's features will be available in the company's games for both platforms, including launch titles like Assassin's Creed 4 and Watch Dogs. Whether or not that includes copy protection isn't clear, however; there's no word of any DRM beyond what's built into the consoles. We've reached out to Ubisoft for clarification, and we'll let you know if it sheds more light on the subject.
Court rules that sale of DRM-laden songs on iTunes did not run afoul of antitrust law
The US Court of Appeals in San Francisco this week upheld a lower court's ruling that found that Apple's operation of the iTunes Music Store did not run afoul of antitrust law. The initial lawsuit against Apple was filed by Stacie Somers in December 2007. The suit alleged that Apple operated an illegal monopoly to the extent that songs purchased on iTunes (back when songs were encumbered with DRM) were unplayable on non-Apple devices. In finding no wrongdoing on Apple's part, the Court of Appeals noted that Apple's US$0.99 price point for songs remained the same with and without DRM enabled. Note that Apple began selling DRM-free songs on iTunes back in early 2009. Gigaom reports: Despite the commanding market share, a three-judge panel affirmed that Apple did not break antitrust laws, in part because it maintained prices at 99 cents before and after the introduction of the DRM system. The court also noted that Apple maintained its 99 cent price point even after Amazon entered the market with DRM-free music, and after Apple itself dropped the FairPlay encryption system in 2009. The court was likewise not persuaded by arguments that Apple changed its software to prevent companies like Real Network, which sold music for 49 cents a track, from operating on its devices. The court's full ruling is available for your perusal over here.
MediaPortal 1.5 enters pre-release; adds CableCARD, Windows 8.1 support
We're finally half way to MediaPortal 2.0, and while version 1.5's updates are more nuts and bolts than 1.3's flashy visual overhaul, they're important nonetheless. Now let's dig in, shall we? First up, PowerScheduler++ has been integrated directly to the app, which should make it easier set up and schedule system reboots -- it adds options for remote clients, too. Next, IPTV support got a makeover and the dev team says its product should meet your needs both "now and well into the future." CableCARD users still have to deal with DRM restrictions on pay-TV channels, but most everything else -- ESPN, TNT and USA, for example -- should function without the cumbersome workarounds of days passed. None of the latest additions break version 1.4's skins or plugins, and it's even supposed to be compatible with the Windows 8.1 preview. The only bad news is if you're still rocking Windows XP, since MediaPortal is finally killing support for the OS -- but that can't affect too many people, can it?
Sony relaxes PSN Video Unlimited restrictions
Sony has significantly altered its DRM policies for the PlayStation Network's Video Unlimited service, allowing users to download purchased content across multiple devices. Previously, buyers had one-time access to videos purchased through the PlayStation Network, which effectively prevented the copying, redownloading, or transfer of Video Unlimited content. Sony's new policy, discovered by Shacknews, adds support for persistent cloud libraries, along with the ability to redownload content across supported devices like the PlayStation 3, PS Vita, and PSP. The change in policy applies to new purchases as well as content bought prior to Sony's recent Terms of Service update. "If you purchase a copy, the video or TV show download will be available infinitely and can be transferred to other enabled devices," Sony's Video Unlimited website now states.
Second Life's Linden Lab expands with digital distribution service
Second Life's Linden Lab has announced this week that it has acquired the digital distribution service Desura. What's Desura? Think of it as a lesser-known version of Steam, yet without the DRM headaches and more focused on player mods. So, not really like Steam. Linden Lab's CEO, Rod Humble, is optimistic about Desura's offering to the 14-year-old virtual world company: "This acquisition gives us a global platform for serving creative developers of all kinds, and we're looking forward to growing both Desura's global community of gamers and its fantastic portfolio of thousands of games, mods, and other content. Our aim is to invest and support the Desura team in making it the most open and developer-friendly platform in the world."
Redbox Instant app for Android updated to work on rooted devices
When Redbox Instant's mobile apps launched earlier this year some users noticed that it refused to work on rooted Android hardware. Now a new update, noted in the log as "changed the way we handle rooted devices," is allowing playback no matter what your superuser status is. Many other premium video apps (but not Netflix, for example) have similar blocks on rooted / jailbroken mobile hardware, although users can usually work around them. Still, it's annoying and mostly unnecessary especially since the block is so easily overcome, so it's good to see Redbox making the change. The ban on rooted hardware and its limited library of subscription streaming content -- although it does throw in the convenience of kiosk rental credits -- have been the source of a large number of negative reviews for the app, hopefully with one looming issue out of the way the other will be addressed shortly.
IE 11 on Windows 8.1 preview supports HTML5 Netflix streaming right now
Netflix recently detailed some of the technological developments needed to transition from Silverlight to HTML5 streaming video in the browser, and in a notable turn one of the first companies on board is Microsoft. It's not that surprising since Microsoft has made it clear it's pushing other technologies going forward, but it's still a stark example of how much things have changed in recent years. Netflix's Tech Blog announced today that anyone running Internet Explorer 11 in the Windows 8.1 preview can visit Netflix.com today and try out HTML5-powered video streaming right now. Already available on ARM Chromebooks (pictured above), Netflix says Microsoft has implemented the Premium video extensions it's been working on to provide support for GPU-accelerated 1080p video, DRM and encryption without proprietary plugins.
Retro City Rampage adds mod support, 'Retro+' enhanced graphics
A new update for Retro City Rampage on PC adds mod support, allowing players to experience a small slice of creator Brian Provinciano's life by creating their own vehicles, characters, fonts and color palettes in the game. The update also includes an optional Retro+ mode, upping the visual fidelity with dynamic soft shadows and doubling the number of colors displayed on-screen at once. The Steam version of Retro City Rampage updates automatically; for GOG and DRM-free owners, they'll need to log into their respective download pages and grab the 1.11 update manually. If you have yet to pick up this love letter to video games, Steam has dropped the price to $3.74 until 10am PT today.%Gallery-192390%
Microsoft's cloud computing 'vision' for Xbox One remains unchanged
Though Microsoft has changed its stance on the digital rights management-based requirements for the Xbox One, the company remains committed to cloud computing. "Our vision around Xbox One and what you can do because of the power of both the architecture of the console, and also the cloud and the Xbox Live service, remains unchanged," Xbox Chief Product Officer Marc Whitten told Joystiq. When asked why Microsoft would not simply offer an offline mode akin to the one featured on Steam, Whitten said "that's absolutely" what Microsoft is doing. Whitten listed a host of examples of how cloud computing still exists as part of the Xbox One plan, noting players will "see great games like Titanfall take advantage of the cloud processing power" as well as have the ability to get games from the online marketplace and use them on any console. "We're going to continue to really invest in how those experiences work," Whitten added. During E3 2013, Fairfax "Mackey" McCandlish, lead designer on the always-online Titanfall, told Joystiq that cloud computing on the Xbox One allows Respawn to "spin off dedicated servers" whenever it wants. "Instead of having everything prepared ahead of time, or misallocate different areas, or have some places be too slow or too much, we can just say 'cloud, find us the right number of computers,'" he added.
Xbox One DRM rollback cuts family sharing features, digital mirroring of retail games out
In the aftermath of Microsoft's stunning reversal of its Xbox One game licensing plans, we talked to Xbox chief product officer Marc Whitten to find out exactly what will change about Redmond's next game box this November. Whitten thankfully assuaged our primary concern right off the bat: the company's (new) used game policy extends to third-party publishers as well as Microsoft first-party games. Though gamers won't have to put up with requirements for an internet check-in every 24 hours, some lauded features we'd heard about will not be available as a result -- at least at launch. That includes the sharing between up to ten family members, and playing disc-based games without having the disc in the One. It also means new consoles will need a patch at launch to enable this future / past scenario of disc-based console gaming. "There are some things -- the family sharing stuff is an example -- where as we move to this system, that functionality goes away," Whitten told us. Another such piece of functionality the console's losing: digitally accessible versions of disc-based games. "You're gonna see your online content but you won't see your physical discs," he said. Should you choose to purchase those games digitally, of course, they'll show up as part of your online persona.
Microsoft reverses Xbox One DRM policy, kills required online check-in and used game complications (updated)
Microsoft's next game console, the Xbox One, is perhaps best known for its complex used game system and once-per-24-hour online check-in requirement. Today, Microsoft is rolling back those policies, and the company took to its Xbox blog to explain. "I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360," Xbox head Don Mattrick writes. He then states: "An internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games – After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One, you can play any disc based game without ever connecting online again. There is no 24 hour connection requirement and you can take your Xbox One anywhere you want and play your games, just like on Xbox 360. Trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc based games just like you do today – There will be no limitations to using and sharing games, it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360." Mattrick further explains that this is a direct response to gamer outcry. "Since unveiling our plans for Xbox One, my team and I have heard directly from many of you, read your comments and listened to your feedback. I would like to take the opportunity today to thank you for your assistance in helping us to reshape the future of Xbox One," he says. Further, he confirms that Xbox One games will be region-free, and that disc-based games will have to be kept in the disc tray rather than ripped to the console and played digitally (a previously touted Xbox One feature). Though the One's down a couple features -- Mattrick specifically says, "These changes will impact some of the scenarios we previously announced for Xbox One" -- it sounds like gamers won this round.
Xbox One-80: Microsoft reverses Xbox One DRM features
Microsoft has announced an almost full reversal of the controversial digital rights management features built into the Xbox One. The console, launching later this year, will no longer require an online connection, or need to ping the Microsoft servers every 24 hours to hang on to life. It will also now play discs like any regular console and no longer place restrictions on trading games. There will also be no regional restrictions. "The sharing of games will work as it does today, you will simply share the disc. Downloaded titles cannot be shared or resold," said Xbox division president Don Mattrick. "Also, similar to today, playing disc based games will require that the disc be in the tray." Microsoft previously addressed concerns about Kinect's always-on, always-listening monitoring of your living room. Why the reversal? Um, if you paid attention to E3 last week, you observed one of the greatest pummelings in industry history. Sony's PlayStation 4 presented itself as the other side of the coin to Microsoft's restrictions and stole the show.
Major Nelson takes Xbox One questions, says banned users will 'absolutely not' lose games
E3 is over, but Microsoft still has a long way to go to answer questions from gamers about its new Xbox One console, particularly when it comes to the effects of DRM. Director of Programming of Xbox Live Larry Hryb aka Major Nelson takes on the most upvoted ones from posters in Reddit's games section in this video interview with Chloe Dykstra. One question that seems to have a clear answer is whether banned users will lose access to any games they've activated, as he stated "Absolutely not, you will always have access to the games you purchased." That goes against a previous response from the Xbox Support twitter account, although that may have been the result of confusion between the Xbox One and Xbox 360 policies. A question with no satisfying response yet however, is what gamers can expect years down the road if Xbox One's authentication servers are shut down. Major Nelson followed up with a response in the comment thread that "I'll get the real answer, I just don't know it yet." Interestingly, the question he wished more people would have asked is about the "family package" and, we assume game sharing with a single account, after previously bringing up its cloud library as one upside to the new DRM setup. Tracking back to the original debut's focus on the console's HDMI input and TV overlays he mentioned using snap mode to watch TV while gaming, or getting Xbox Live notifications and jumping "instantly" to a game while watching TV. A similar crowdsourced interview was planned with the PlayStation team, but cancelled. Major Nelson says he will address more questions leading up to launch and is planning an ask me anything session later, so keep your (many) inquiries at the ready.
The Witcher 3 DRM-free on PC; 'gamer-friendly' solution sought on consoles
The Witcher series of action role-playing games is reaching further than ever before, with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt launching simultaneously on PC, Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in 2014. The new consoles have been mired in discussion over DRM (digital rights management) recently, with Microsoft instituting connectivity requirements to play games, and PlayStation leaving publishers to decide how to control the sale and resale of their content. The Polish developer behind The Witcher, CD Projekt RED, now tries to find an ideal incarnation for its publicly asserted values, which are staunchly opposed to DRM of any kind. "I can only talk about our intentions; we don't have any agreement finalized yet," CD Projekt co-founder Marcin Iwiński tells me, carefully choosing his words. "It's all quite early and we're finding out about it this week, at the conference. But our intention, obviously, is to choose the most gamer-friendly solution." In CD Projekt's perfect world, those solutions would be aligned with their PC- and Mac-based digital distribution platform, GOG.com, where games are 100 percent DRM-free. "Whatever the solutions will be for our partners, we choose something ideally as close to what we have on GOG as possible."
