QTFairUse6 able to create DRM-free files from iTunes 6.0.4 and 6.0.5
Looks like Microsoft isn't the only one having trouble with broken DRM these days. Engadget reports that a new application "QTFairUse6" has surfaced. While it's not as pretty, user-friendly, or cross-platform compatible as Hymn (a 2004 application) QTFairUse6 does indeed strip the FairPlay content protection from music files purchased from the iTunes Music Store, when they are played back in iTunes 6.0.4 or 6.0.5.
The program is written in Python, and currently runs under Windows only. According to the developers, QTFairUse6 intercepts the AAC frames after they are decrypted but before they are decoded, providing a copy that is no more "lossy" than the original purchased from the iTMS. Note that the FairPlay algorithm itself has not been defeated - the program simply copies the decrypted music from the memory addressed by iTunes, and writes the data to a new file.
The major downfall to this program is the nature of the circumvention means the "ripping speed" is limited to playback speed. However, if you're absolutely insistent on playing your iTMS-purchased music on a portable player other than an iPod, it may be time well spent.
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