Per a latest replace to Microsoft‘s Deprecated Windows features web page, Legacy DRM providers utilized by Home windows Media Participant and Silverlight shoppers for Home windows 7 and Home windows 8 at the moment are deprecated. This may forestall the streaming or playback of DRM-protected content material in these functions on these working methods. It additionally consists of enjoying content material from private CD rips and streaming from a Silverlight or Home windows 8 consumer to an Xbox 360 when you have been nonetheless doing that.
For these unfamiliar, “DRM” refers to Digital Rights Administration. Mainly, DRM tech ensures that you just aren’t stealing or enjoying again pirated content material. In fact, piracy nonetheless exists, however nowadays, most formally distributed motion pictures, TV reveals, video games, and so forth., all contain some type of DRM except explicitly marketed as DRM-free.
DRM does appear to be innocent piracy prevention on paper. Nonetheless, it hasn’t been all that efficient at eliminating piracy— and the place it’s carried out, it primarily punishes or inconveniences paying prospects. It is a superb instance of DRM’s folly. Now, anybody who had beforehand opted into Microsoft’s official media streaming ecosystem with Home windows 7 and eight is being penalized for getting media legitimately since it is going to now not work with out them being compelled to pivot to different streaming options.
The lack of Legacy DRM providers is just the latest deprecation on Microsoft’s chopping block. Paint 3D is set to get a permanent axing in November, and considerably frighteningly, even Control Panel gave the impression to be within the crosshairs for a short time there. Happily, Management Panel is protected for now— however seeing fundamental Home windows Media Participant performance being killed off for older variations of Home windows leaves an unmistakably bitter style within the mouth. If Microsoft fancies itself a media firm, it should hold official media playable in its bought software program.