Slim Devices' Squeezebox supports Rhapsody DRM

Plays protected tracks for the first time

By Tony Smith, 7th July 2006

Slim Devices has added support for the Real Networks' Rhapsody digital music download service to its Squeezebox network music player. The deal will allow the device to play DRM-protected tracks purchased from the service.

To date, the Squeezebox has been only able to play DRM-free AAC and WMA tracks in addition to the MP3 and Ogg formats, and lossless codecs such as FLAC and Apple Lossless. Like Apple's iTunes Music Store, Rhapsody uses the AAC format. Unfortunately, Apple won't license its FairPlay DRM technology

A firmware update available now allows the Squeezebox, along with a new version, 6.3, of the server code hosted on a PC, Mac or Linux box, ensures songs bought from Rhapsody can be transmitted across a Wi-Fi network to the music player and validated for playback. Tracks have to be downloaded on the PC then manually bookmarked to appear on the Squeezebox - a Rhapsody requirement, we understand.

Slim Devices also said it was offering a 30-day free trial with Rhapsody, allowing US-based Squeezebox owners to try out the service - after that they pay $14.95 a month if they continue to use the service. Any tracks downloaded will no longer play if users stop paying. ®

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