Apple Smacks Down Real with iPod Software Update

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://news.com.com/Apple+fights+RealNetworks+hacker+tactics/2100-1027_3-5490604.html?tag=nefd.top' target='_blank'>http://news.com.com/Apple+fights+RealNetworks+hacker+tactics/2100-1027_3-5490604.html?tag=nefd.top</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Apple Computer has quietly updated its iPod software so that songs purchased from RealNetworks' online music store will no longer play on some of the Mac maker's popular MP3 players. The move could render tunes purchased by many iPod owners unplayable on their music players. For the last four months, RealNetworks has marketed its music store as the only Apple rival compatible with the iPod, following the company's discovery of a way to let its customers play their downloaded tunes on Apple's MP3 player."</i><br /><br />Well, we knew it wouldn't last long... :roll:

[prprush1]

You would thank after many years of shooting off their foot that they would not have one left. But what do you know they did it again. :x

[treo007]

I have mixed feelings about this one: yes, it's not good for consumers when any any company becomes too proprietary.

On the other hand, it couldn't happen to a nicer company than Real, or a nicer guy than Rob Glaser.

[Anthony Caruana]

A couple of things. If Real were selling their service as being iPod compatible then it's up to them to keep it that way. I don't beleive they had any agreement with Apple so tough luck for them

Second, the iPod update is not mandatory. If your iPod is working and you've bought music through Harmony then don't take the update.

When i bought my iPod I did some research and knew beofre I bought the product that it was only going to be useful on ITMS and with copies of my own CDs. If you bought an iPod with the expectation that music from other stores then I think your research was not that great.

iPods are sold with iTunes - not RealPlayer. If you didn't see this coming then you need your eyes checked.

[James Fee]

I'd say most of the people "outraged" about this don't even own an iPod. *shrug*

Frankly it will be a cold day in hell before I stick real player on my computer.

[Philip Colmer]

According to PC Pro (http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/66965/updated-ipod-firmware-update-breaks-real-hack.html), the change only affects the iPod photo.

--Philip

[Felix Torres]

According to PC Pro (http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/66965/updated-ipod-firmware-update-breaks-real-hack.html), the change only affects the iPod photo.

--Philip

For now.
They're just phasing it in to get people used to the idea.
Won't be long before they extend it across the board...

[Tim Williamson]

This is why I will never buy a song online...I couldn't deal with not being able to copy my music wherever I wanted. I'm sticking to CD's ripped to MP3.