"DRM" Bad news

[joey tribiani]

Intel launches secure mobile chips


17:13 13 April 04

NewScientist.com news service

A line of microprocessors built to keep data locked within a secure "vault" inside mobile devices was launched by US chip maker Intel on Monday. The chips are designed for use in gadgets such as smart cellphones and PDAs.

The PXA27x processor family, also known by the code-name "Bulverde", are touted as a solution to the looming threat of mobile computer viruses and hacker attacks.

But they will also make it possible to lock music and video files on mobile devices so that they cannot be copied or forwarded. Other new elements include features designed to boost performance and reduce power consumption.

Bulverde chips will allow mobile phone makers to design programs that store valuable data, such as credit card information, within a cryptographically protected "vault" inside the chip.

This is to prevent other software programs from accessing the data without express permission from the user. Computer viruses and other malicious code should then be less able to cause significant damage.


Anti-piracy


Intel and other hardware and software firms have already started producing personal computers that protect data in a similar way. The desktop chip technology is code-named "LaGrande". Microsoft is developing software that will work with LaGrande to protect files.

But some observers see this as part of a strategy to make personal computers more amenable to anti-piracy measures, at the behest of the entertainment industry.

This is because specially designed music or video files could use the protected portions of these chips to restrict users' ability to copy or forward them. Some critics say such restrictions unfairly encroach upon computer user's rights to control their own machines.

Bulverde processors also include features borrowed from Intel's range of desktop computer processors that are designed to make graphics and audio applications run more quickly. Intel's Wireless MMX technology provides programmers with a set of instructions that can be used to more easily access parts of the chip that process 3D and audio data.


http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994876 :devil2

[meyou123]

I think when people realize that their computers are being taken over by the people making the chips, it will be lawsuit city! This will probably go to the supreme court, that is if intel doesn't back down first. When privacy advocates get ahold of this one, watch out!

[zaphodiv]

People don't have to buy devices and PC's with DRM. Until it is mandatory there are no grounds for lawsuits.

Sound can still be copied from the point it changes from digital to analog on it's way to the speakers.

[method]

I still think the anti-piracy advocates are missing one point...

Yeah, hardware+software anti-piracy might be effective at first...

...BUT... that'll only be until mod-chips start getting produced.

Besides... it's just another reason to steer clear of DRM content.

Peace!

[muffenme]

:fire

DRM would make these computers as useless as a 8080 PC.

:hole