RSS'PlaysForSure' logo being replaced with 'Certified for Vista'
By Scott M. Fulton, III | Published December 12, 2007, 6:24 PM
Without much explanation, Microsoft's PlaysForSure Web page, which had once been the meeting ground for its portable media tech partners, now bears a statement to users that the logo is being dropped.
"The PlaysForSure logo is getting a new look," the statement reads. "All the testing requirements for devices are the same, but instead of looking for the PlaysForSure logo to ensure compatibility, look for the Certified for Windows Vista logo."
That's the statement in its entirety, and apparently "compatibility" under the new definition is restricted to Windows Vista, not XP. Incidentally, the old PlaysForSure logo used the cobalt blue and Franklin Gothic typeface that had typified Windows XP and Windows Media Player 9.
Branches clearly marked on the page for consumers and businesses to follow led to no new information. In fact, the branch for partners leads to the same documents for portable device compliance requirements updated last July 15. Microsoft has offered no other explanation for the change thus far.
The PlaysForSure logo requirements (as they have been known up to now) specify the minimum set of features and options a handset, MP3 player, or portable media device must adhere to in order to qualify for using Microsoft's logo in its marketing. Previously, the marketing program was centered around Windows Media, not so much any one version of the Windows operating system.
Ironically, Microsoft's own Zune players use a different DRM scheme, and have thus not borne the PlaysForSure logo. However, the Zune has borne a "Certified for Windows Vista" logo up to now -- the same one that former PlaysForSure devices will now display, despite some unavoidable technological distinctions. Files purchased from the Zune marketplace will not work on other devices, even those also certified for Vista.
On Microsoft's Channel 9 developers' forum this afternoon, one member called the development, "the most nonsensical thing I've ever seen coming out of Microsoft."
"How on earth do I as a consumer with an older device understand how this new branding maps to what I own? Who at Microsoft looked at this and thought this was a good idea and was something that would help partners sell more devices?" queried JupiterResearch analyst Michael Gartenberg. "As opposed to this message which has been clear and consistent from day one. Gotta believe the folks in Cupertino are having a good chuckle over this one."
HHmmmm, no " plays in Longhorn or Windows Server 2008" logo?
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If I found someone attaching their Zune or any other unauthorized devices to the domain controller or Exchange server in our shop, they'd be fired on the spot.
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Interestingly, music music I have dowloaded for the zune with the new zune marketplace software can be synced and played on my old Sansa "plays for sure" device. Maybe microsoft is doing more with this change than they are telling us.
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I recently got a Zune for "free" (playing live search games). I was very impressed with the sound and picture quality, but it is bulky and heavy. I was also shocked at its inoperability with Microsoft's own products. I don't like the Zune software that I have to use or that I can only download from the Zune marketplace. I would not recommend it to my friends at this time; only when it is made more interoperable.
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Microsoft:
Hire some *real* marketing goons. Your naming schemes, branding, and "slogans" are a freaking mess. Fire the current staff and hire some people who've actually gone to school.
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Yea, but just don't hire any body, hire those folks from Apple. Apple has the best marketing campaigns.
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Apple's "marketing" is specifically why I refuse to ever use one of their products. I'd feel like a sheeple if I ever used a product based on their condescending, dumbed-down for the masses marketing...
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You must be kidding me. Microsoft has the best brand names in the business. If anything "playforsure" was bad, because it eludes to a universal function....which it's not. "Certified for Vista" is clear and pointed.
All microsoft products use the "lowest common denominator"...the simpliest name possible: Word, Money, Outlook, Exchange, System Management Server, Office, Streets & Trips, Digital Image Suite. The list goes on and on.
The only place I fault them is that the name "Live" is excellent and they should have universally dumped the "MSN" name overnight.
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Of those you listed, 3 of them are either no longer sold as such or are undergoing name changes. (SMS is getting rather unruly name change soon)
Sure, if they stuck with "Office" and "Windows", we'd be set. Unfortunately, they are going in the direction of "Silverlight" and such.
Well, that and they simply don't market; at least, not to consumers.
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That's why I recommend hiring their marketing staff. How else they can sell their inferior products at a premium, and yet, build a fans base that defend their products with their life.
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"their inferior products at a premium"
Well actually I wouldn't say that. It's all relative.
Zune: Compared to Cowon, iRiver and Creative; yes. Compared to Apple, no.
Windows: PC's are cheaper compared to Mac's (which come with OSX) but not as cheap as Linux.
Xbox: Cheaper than the PS3 (but has more games, better online and basically the same graphics [better in some cases]... the better deal to me), but not as cheap as the Nintendo Wii.
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This is a bunch of baloney. At the very least "Certified for Windows Vista" doesnt sound as gay. But I have seen this done before, Its smart marketing, although immoral, to get clueless people to buy products labeled "cert...vista" just cause their computer has vista.
Its similar to the "windows vista compatible" logo on the packaging of the new netcomm nb9w router/switch. Now think about that. Are routers and switches OS dependant? Hell no. Why do this?? Once again, so the lame person says oh! I'll buy this cause my computer is vista.
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...didn't people complaint because Vista was not identifying their hardware or software? now everybody is freaking out? I really don't understand the primitive mind that exist in us, I swear.
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Dear god of thunder. I am at a loss and humbly seek knowledge as to why 'Plays for sure' sounds gay - and stretching it why it seems to be a problem (while talking about immorality and clueless people)
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"GayForSure", now that would be gay, and probably "open up" a whole new market, if you'll pardon the expression.
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I apologise if I struck a chord. Let me extrapolate.
a) Its gay because its off center, inappropriate, something illogical and non-conforming to something easily distinguishable to the average person.
b) Immoral, ie..deliberately violating accepted principles of right and wrong. They know its wrong because off a lack of cross compatability. Do they care? No.
c) Clueless people. If you still don't get it go back to (a).
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Am I missing something? What about the next OS after Vista? Why would anyone tie their music to a player, Operating system, or any particular hardware?
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That will be a time in which things are meant to change.
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This is terrible brand building. Smacks of a lack of vision. I am convinced that Apple benefits from this mindlessness. Go read this news on engadget for a good laugh:
http://www.engadget.com/...ified-for-windows-vista/
"Microsoft's PlaysForSure DRM just took another step closer to the grave with the help of some rebranding. ..... Of course, Microsoft's Zune is also certified for Windows Vista, just not certified for Windows Vista so it won't play back the same protected files. Man, could DRM get any more consumer unfriendly?"
Of course the in depth reporting here is the best!
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'Certified for Windows Vista'? so does that mean it's not certified for Windows XP?
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"instead of looking for the PlaysForSure logo to ensure compatibility, look for the Certified for Windows Vista logo."
Considering that Vista is the newest version, I too would consider it pointless to name all previous versions on the label.
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"Files purchased from the Zune marketplace will not work on other devices, even those also certified for Vista."
So basically ...
Product A (which is certified)
will NOT work with
Product B (which is also certified)
Which makes the certification confusing, leaning to meaningless.
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"Doesn't Play, For Sure?" ;-)
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Microsoft likes getting spanked by Apple. If not, they better learn to like it, because they keep positioning themselves to be a better target.
I'm a happy subscription music user. It's a great option if you like to explore lots of new music (if you don't, it's not). However, Microsoft hasn't been successful promoting it, and this is another bad move. Although I've spent hundreds of dollars happily renting music for years, I've never purchased DRMed music and never will.
Forking PlaysforSure into Zune was a bad and disturbing move, but it didn't affect me directly. Changing it to "Certified for Windows Vista" is so idiotic--it's hard to see it surviving much longer. I think I should start looking for alternatives.
Microsoft's Redmond-Reality Distortion Field (RRDF) apparently allows them to convince one another that Vista will soon be ubiquitous. And, they should prepare for and encourage this by giving Vista more visibility; co-branding all the Zunes and music they'll soon be selling, even forcing music partners to use Vista branding ('till they're extinguished by Zune). Its crazy; and they don't appear to be coming up for air anytime soon.
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lol , I'm sure that thrills the manufactures , I could give a s*** because I don't use their craptastic products.
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Or Merriam-Webster's products.
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Hah. Best reply ever.
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which one?
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wOOt ! (or maybe '?' - still not sure)
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