DVD Jon gets traction on iTunes hack

DVD Jon is back in the news today as word has spread of his new company and its intentions to license the code that cracks Apple's FairPlay digital-rights management to third parties. As previously reported, Jon Lech Johansen, nicknamed DVD Jon for his cracking of the encryption on DVDs as a teenager, has launched DoubleTwist Ventures. Apple's FairPlay DRM prevents music purchased from other services from playing on iPods, and it also prevents music bought from iTunes from playing on anything but an iPod. DVD Jon, 22, has cracked the encryption of that DRM, hoping to license it to companies that want to sell content that works with the iPod. "What he did was basically reverse-engineer FairPlay," DoubleTwist managing director Monique Farantzos told the Associated Press. "This allows other companies to offer content for the iPod. There's a certain amount of trouble that Apple can give us, but not enough to stop this. We believe we're on good legal ground, and our attorneys have given us the green light on this." Apple has yet to comment on DVD Jon's claims. Johansen was charged by Norwegian authorities seven years ago for his hack of DVD encryption but was later acquitted.

Creative makes pink Zen V Plus

Creative has made a pink version of its 2GB ZEN V Plus portable media player in conjunction with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, hoping to raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness month. The player features audio and video playback and a 1.5-inch screen, just like the original. "Creative is proud to support the National Breast Cancer Foundation in conjunction with the launch of a special edition pink ZEN V Plus during Breast Cancer Awareness month," Creative's Lisa O'Malley said in a statement. "We're joining forces with the NBCF to help educate women about adopting healthy lifestyle habits that decrease the risk of breast cancer and to underscore the importance of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment."

"Every time someone turns on their pink Creative ZEN V Plus to enjoy music, photos, and video, we want them to think about taking charge of breast health, either their own or that of the women they love," said Kevin Hail of the National Breast Cancer Foundation in a statement.

Napster shares keep rising

Shares in digital-music subscription service Napster continued to rise today on speculation that company is primed for a buyout. Napster said earlier this month that it had hired an investment bank to pursue strategic alternatives, including a buyout. Napster's stock rose 26 cents, or nearly 6 percent, today to close at $4.71. The stock's up more than 25 percent in 2006 despite a forecast for a loss of $1.03 per share for its current fiscal year. Google, Amazon, RealNetworks, and Barry Diller's Web conglomerate IAC/InterActive have been rumored as potential bidders.

Jibbs matches ringtone mark

St. Louis rapper Jibbs has become the second artist to sell one million ringtones of a song before its accompanying album's official release, matching the mark set by Rick Ross earlier this year. The song "Chain Hang Low" went platinum for ringtone sales in advance of release of his album, Jibbs feat. Jibbs, which hits stores today. The 15-year-old rapper has been touring middle and high schools on the east coast and in the Midwest to promote the album. He is part of a larger tour with Yung Joc, Omarion, and Ne-Yo that kicks off November 22 in Miami, Florida.