In what I consider the story of the week it appears that Microsoft has picked up the tab to distribute at least two companies’ promotional videos on Kazaa in the Windows Media 9 format, representatives of those companies say. The videos not only show off the improved picture quality of Microsoft’s latest technology; they also help distribute it. When Kazaa users download and play either video,
their Microsoft media player software is automatically upgraded to Windows Media 9.
What amazes me is that Microsoft is actually doing this I bet Bill and company will not be getting invited to and RIAA parties in the near future. If you really sit down and think about it this is very significant in that Microsoft by themselves are showing a legitimate use for the service and there isnt a damn thing the recording industry can say about it.
Personally I wonder if this is a subtle way Microsoft is telling these talking heads to back of that they are interfering with technology advancements. [LA Times]