Microsoft rebrands PlaysForSure, gives consumers a reason to buy iPods

Sometimes I just don't understand Microsoft.  Take this latest move for example.  The company has just abandoned the "PlaysForSure" logo for the digital rights management (DRM) technology with the "Certified for Windows Vista" logo.  Why is this likely to Microsoft has just given consumers yet another reason to buy iPods (as if they need a reason ...) cause confusion?  Well, because Microsoft uses the exact same "Certified for Windows Vista" logo for the Zune player, which uses DRM which is incompatible with the previous "PlaysForSure" model.

So, here we have it.  Two incompatible DRM schemes, both bundled under the same banner.  "PlaysForSure" content doesn't work on the Zune, and Zune content won't work on "PlaysForSure" hardware, but that hasn't stopped some bright spark from deciding that the same logo should be used for both.  If that doesn't cause widespread confusion amongst consumers, I don't know what will. 

Given that "PlaysForSure" is probably one of the most misleading taglines to come out of Microsoft (or any other technology companies for that matter) and I for one welcome its demise, but to rebrand it using an existing, incompatible, brand shows that common sense has been abandoned.  My suggestion for a replacement name - "PlaysForSure .... NOT!" - obviously didn't make it past marketing.  DRM's confusing and anti-consumer enough as it is without making things even more confusing.

Microsoft has just given consumers yet another reason to buy iPods (as if they need a reason ...).

Thoughts?  Also, if you have a suggestion for an new name for "PlaysForSure," feel free to add it in the TalkBack section and I'll be sure to pass it on to Microsoft! ;-)