Microsoft Confirms PlaysForSure Crack

Microsoft conceded Wednesday that the latest version of its Windows Media digital rights management had indeed been cracked, and said it is working on a patch to prevent customers from using the FairUse4WM program to strip the copyright protection from downloaded songs. The program was made with the intention to allow users to listen to downloaded songs on any music player, including the Apple iPod, once they were converted to a compatible format.

While some made a big deal out of the latest move by hackers to strip DRM from protected music, many analysts said the impact was minimal as most users probably wouldn't bother to download the program. "If there is a lesson here, it's that no matter how good you make the lock, someone's going to try and pick it," JupiterResearch analyst Michael Gartenberg said.