HotRecorder for Media converts songs from iTunes and Yahoo Inc.'s music service into standard MP3 files that can play on any MP3 device. The resulting files can then be played on devices that do not support copy-protection.
HotRecorder operates in a similar fashion as many other programs, it grabs the sound, in real time, as it travels to the computer's sound card for playback, the point at which music is unlocked from any copy protection. The software is able to block noises from other applications and it creates a separate MP3 file for each song.
The software was formally released on Thursday for the initial price of US$19.95 but the company says it will increase to US$29.90 in two months.
The company's founder, Mookie Tenembaum, has said that his company merely provides the software and cannot police its usage. However, Apple and Yahoo both have service terms that forbid circumvention of copy-protection technology. If HotRecorder cannot be found to have legitimate uses then it may find itself it legal trouble including a possible court injunction blocking it from sale.
News source: The Globe and Mail
HotRecorder operates in a similar fashion as many other programs, it grabs the sound, in real time, as it travels to the computer's sound card for playback, the point at which music is unlocked from any copy protection. The software is able to block noises from other applications and it creates a separate MP3 file for each song.
The software was formally released on Thursday for the initial price of US$19.95 but the company says it will increase to US$29.90 in two months.
The company's founder, Mookie Tenembaum, has said that his company merely provides the software and cannot police its usage. However, Apple and Yahoo both have service terms that forbid circumvention of copy-protection technology. If HotRecorder cannot be found to have legitimate uses then it may find itself it legal trouble including a possible court injunction blocking it from sale.
News source: The Globe and Mail
2. JHymn is not compatible with purchases made with iTunes 6.0 nor does it appear to work with Yahoo music files.
3. Is it legal for the iTunes / Yahoo music license agreements to restrict existing "fair use" laws?
4. The original reviewer (see the full article) reported a problem converting a few of his songs. Some of those did work on another computer that he tried it on.
I agree, they seem to be asking to be sued.
What makes this is somewhat interesting story is that the company is somewhat brazen about its purpose: HotRecorder for Media
The company is a division of United Virtualities Group which, if you read the full article/review, is not a small unknown company. It would seem to me that they are taking a legal risk. Will Apple and/or Yahoo sue to block the sale of this product?
That may be legal according to "fair use" but it is a violation of the iTunes license (for people who read and care about EULAs).
This is a one-stop tool to go directly to a MP3 file. I think it is targetted at "regular" users rather than technical wizards (who can probably use the free tools).
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