Apple Computer on Thursday accused RealNetworks of hacking its popular iPod after the competitor released software that lets iPod users download songs from RealNetworks' own RealPlayer music store.
Previously, only Apple's iTunes software gave users the ability to purchase songs online and transfer them to an iPod. Apple uses its own Fairplay Digital Rights Management technology, which it has refused to license to other companies.
"We are stunned that RealNetworks has adopted the tactics and ethics of a hacker to break into the iPod, and we are investigating the implications of their actions under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and other laws," an Apple statement read.
Although both the RealPlayer and iTunes stores offer downloads for 99 cents apiece, the fundamental differences between the two services are in content ? each offers its own share of exclusives ? and quality. Like most services, iTunes downloads have a sound quality of 128 kbps. The RealPlayer music store is the only service to offer songs in 192 kbps, which is closer to CD quality.
The technology in the new RealPlayer 10.5 beta software "follows in a well established tradition of fully legal, independently developed paths to achieve compatibility," RealNetworks said in a statement issued soon after Apple's. "There is ample and clear precedent for this activity. For instance, the first IBM-compatible PCs from Compaq. ... Consumers, and not Apple, should be the ones choosing what music goes on their iPod."
Besides the iPod, RealPlayer 10.5 also offers compatibility with portable digital music players made by Creative, Rio, iRiver and more than 65 other manufacturers.
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/148...headlines=true
Consumers, and not Apple, should be the ones choosing what music goes on their iPod
exactly
Previously, only Apple's iTunes software gave users the ability to purchase songs online and transfer them to an iPod. Apple uses its own Fairplay Digital Rights Management technology, which it has refused to license to other companies.
"We are stunned that RealNetworks has adopted the tactics and ethics of a hacker to break into the iPod, and we are investigating the implications of their actions under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and other laws," an Apple statement read.
Although both the RealPlayer and iTunes stores offer downloads for 99 cents apiece, the fundamental differences between the two services are in content ? each offers its own share of exclusives ? and quality. Like most services, iTunes downloads have a sound quality of 128 kbps. The RealPlayer music store is the only service to offer songs in 192 kbps, which is closer to CD quality.
The technology in the new RealPlayer 10.5 beta software "follows in a well established tradition of fully legal, independently developed paths to achieve compatibility," RealNetworks said in a statement issued soon after Apple's. "There is ample and clear precedent for this activity. For instance, the first IBM-compatible PCs from Compaq. ... Consumers, and not Apple, should be the ones choosing what music goes on their iPod."
Besides the iPod, RealPlayer 10.5 also offers compatibility with portable digital music players made by Creative, Rio, iRiver and more than 65 other manufacturers.
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/148...headlines=true
Consumers, and not Apple, should be the ones choosing what music goes on their iPod
exactly
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