iAUDIO U3

I too want to know the same thing. I want to know if it will download and play recorded books that are in secure wma format. I just e-mailed tech support at cowon and will post again if I get a reply.

Did you see that the U3s are available now, from the online store at the cowonamerica website?

http://www.cowonamerica.com/news/details_129.html

$189.99 for the white 1GB and $269.99 for the black 2GB

My understanding is that the U3 does not support WMA DRM of any kind. This would include purchases and subscriptions (like Napster To Go) in the WMA format. Don't know about Audible files, however.

Assuming this is true, they are in a minority when you look at players released in the last year. I wonder why Cowon has so much trouble with DRM?

I was afraid of that. I was all set to get the U3, but not supporting DRM WMA is a dealbreaker for me. Too bad for Cowon.

I would figure having DRM on a player at release is a basic thing to ask for, but I guess not. Thanks for the update I was going to buy the Creative photo after hearing that the bad news about the U3. Glad to see cowon has it back instock already.

It will play purchased songs today! It will play subscription songs (different animal) later.

So, do you know if it will play recorded books from NetLibrary (it requires secure or protected WMA)? What is the difference between a purchased and a subscription type WMA?

Here is another response from Cowon I just received regarding availability of secure WMA:

"The estimated time to support secure wma is December 16th. This is subject to change due if there is a delay in progress. But it will eventually be released through firmware."

So, it seems to have been delayed a bit.

I've been looking on cowon's website each day for the firmware update. I had a feeling it was going to be delayed. I heard they promised a firmware update for the U2 months ago and it's still not out.