Most of the tech writers and analysts calling for Apple to license its FairPlay DRM seem to have forgotten about Apple's strategic alliance with HP -- perhaps because we haven't heard much about it recently.

I'm told HP's version of the iPod, which was expected "this summer" is coming to the U.S. in September. (The worldwide launch date isn't set, and will probably depend on U.S. demand.)

This simple fact undermines some of the charges leveled against Apple by Real's Rob Glaser and others. FairPlay is available to business partners selected by Apple; just not to RealNetworks.

Bonus link: John Gruber's take on Harmony.