Digital locker

{{short description|Online file or digital media storage service}} {{About|the general term 'digital locker'}} A '''digital locker''' or '''cyberlocker''' is an online file or digital media storage service. Files stored include music, videos, movies, games and other media.<ref name=oxford>{{cite web|title=digital locker|url=http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/digital-locker|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140727233422/http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/digital-locker|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 27, 2014|website=Oxford Dictionary|accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref><ref name=wisegeek>{{cite web|title=What Is a Digital Locker?|url=http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-digital-locker.htm|website=wiseGEEK|accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref> The term was used by Microsoft as a part of its Windows Marketplace in 2004.<ref name=wisegeek /> By storing files in a digital locker, users are able to access them anywhere they can find internet connections. Most (but not all) digital locker services require a user to register. Prices range from free to paid, divided according to the complications and strength of the lock.

==Uses== Digital lockers, as opposed to simple file storage services, are typically associated with digital distribution — a commercial store where you can buy content such as Steam, Google Play, Amazon, and iTunes.

'''Download / Play / Watch''' Digital locker services often come with integrated client software that allows users to play the movies or games or songs.<ref name=steam>{{cite web|title=10 obscure Steam features that can power up your PC gaming|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2600209/master-steam-10-powerful-tips-and-tricks-for-pc-gamings-do-it-all-vanguard.html|website=PC world|accessdate=29 August 2014|archive-date=1 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901035218/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2600209/master-steam-10-powerful-tips-and-tricks-for-pc-gamings-do-it-all-vanguard.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

'''Upload'''

Many digital locker services enable users to upload their own content or provide synchronization software that will scan a user's computer and upload the appropriate media for them.<ref name=verge-gplay>{{cite web|last = Ingraham |first =Nathan|title=Google Play Music finally lets you upload songs through the browser|url = https://www.theverge.com/2014/3/26/5549494/google-play-music-finally-lets-you-upload-songs-through-the-browser | website =The Verge|date =26 March 2014|accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref>

'''Matching'''

Some services like Google Play and iTunes will match songs users have to a digital signature, allowing them to skip the sometimes slow process of uploading the media file. Rather, once the song is matched, it will just be added to a user's library.<ref name=macworld-itunes-match>{{cite web|title=Is iTunes Match right for you?|url = http://www.macworld.com/article/2099340/is-itunes-match-right-for-you.html|website=Macworld|accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref><ref name=forbes-goog-match>{{cite web|last =Evangelho|first =Jason| title= Google Play Adds Free Music Matching Feature, 320k Cloud Streaming|url = https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevangelho/2012/12/19/google-play-adds-music-matching-feature-320k-cloud-streaming/ |website=Forbes|accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref>

==Digital rights management== Digital lockers are often used as a way of controlling access to media via digital rights management (DRM). Services such as Steam, Origin, Blizzard, Vudu, and others offer to users the convenience of a digital locker in exchange for the control of DRM.<ref name=engadget-drm>{{cite web|last1=Lawler|first1=Richard|title=DECE's 'digital locker' take-anywhere DRM dubbed UltraViolet, launches later this year|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/07/20/deces-digital-locker-take-anywhere-drm-dubbed-ultraviolet/|website=engadget|date=20 July 2010 |accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref>

==Copyright infringement== Some digital locker services such as Hotfile and MegaUpload have been accused of being large contributors towards copyright infringement.<ref name=bbc>{{cite news|title=Hotfile's digital locker service targeted by Hollywood|work=BBC News|date=8 March 2012|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-17300225|accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref> The MPAA alleged that Hotfile and similar services promote copyright infringement by paying users referral fees, and thus encouraging them to upload popular copyrighted content.<ref name=mediapost>{{cite web|last1=Davis|first1=Wendy|title=MPAA Argues Hotfile Liable For Users' Copyright Infringement|url=http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/169581/mpaa-argues-hotfile-liable-for-users-copyright-in.html|website=MediaPost|accessdate=29 August 2014}}</ref>

==References== {{Reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Digital Distribution}} Category:Video game development Category:Digital rights management *