Apple Accuses RealNetworks Of Hacking The iPod
 

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

"forgive me, cant you see me in your darkness?
feeling, lonely,
less than zero."

:glugglug

What sucks is that the only music that can be put on is in Apple's proprietary format, AAC (or something like that). So you're huge ass MP3 collection goes to waste...along with $250 of your hard earned dollars.

Although . . .

I hear there is a hack that fixes that whole problem :Graucho

Onto the ipod? I don't think that's true...

Real Network ... sucks. I HATE their fucking software

Sounds true ... how that would be hacking if that would be mp3s ...

that is definetely true..:BangBang:

Hello World.

"cuz ive done wrong, and im a little afraid.
I aint too strong,
take this bottle.
Take this bottle,
and just walk away,
the both of you.
And let me feel the pain
ive done to you."

:glugglug

I thought the implied hacking was being able to use non-apple software with the ipod. The impression i got from NickHimself's post was that the ipod could only use AAC files. I probably read it wrong.

you can put mp3s on an ipod.

*LOL* So true :thumbsup

apple computers fucking rule. i'm using my 15" powerbook right now, not only does it look awesome (os x is simply beautiful in comparison with windows) but it runs great, is compatible with all the hardware that i've thrown at it (creative muvo2 mp3 player, windows networks, airport extreme for 802.11b/g wireless). also comes with bluetooth that works seamlessly with most enabled cell phones.

real doing this is just undermining apple - i didn't think they would take the threat so seriously especially with the major success of itunes music store in the us and europe. i guess they're just covering all their bases so the ipod/itunes can maintain their market position.