Microsoft to lock down iPod?

Microsoft says small device like the world's most popular mp3 device, iPod, can be used to steal data, and the next Windows (Longhorn) is working to lock such devices down.

SillyDog701 noticed that Microsoft is testing its MSN Music store in beta stage, MSN Music store works with Microsoft's Windows Media Player, although Windows Media support many MP3 portable player, but Apple's iPod is clearly missed from the list.

With Apple's iTunes (for Windows), it is possible to convert WMA (unprotected) to MP3 or AAC format to be used in iPod.

Microsoft is working on technology that will give companies more control over whether to prohibit devices that can easily be used to transfer data to and from personal computers.

So the real goal is to lock out iPod, and the storage device is just a good sounding excuse?

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Microsoft is working on technology that will give companies more control over whether to prohibit devices that can easily be used to transfer data to and from personal computers.

The technology is due to appear in next version of Windows, dubbed Longhorn, due out in 2006. As devices including Apple's popular iPods become capable of holding more data, some worry that people could use them to steal data or unleash virus attacks on business networks.

Microsoft's goal is to have a system where people can use devices that help them in their work - such as a smart phone full of professional contacts - but not storage devices that could be used to quickly steal data, said Greg Sullivan, a lead product manager.
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Longhorn locked against theft by iPod (13 Sept 2004, news.com.au)

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