Apple Comments on Real [Updated]
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 its actions under the DMCA and other laws
Apple also warns that the song compatibility may be broken in the future.
This statement comes on the heels of hints that Real was looking into licensing the unofficial format to 3rd party companies wanting to create iPod compatible songs.
[Update] MacWorld's MacCentral posts RealNetwork's response to Apple's comments.
There is ample and clear precedent for this activity, for instance the first IBM compatible PCs from Compaq. Harmony creates a way to lock content from Real's music store in a way that is compatible with the iPod, Windows Media DRM devices, and Helix DRM devices. Harmony technology does not remove or disable any digital rights management system. Apple has suggested that new laws such as the DMCA are relevant to this dispute. In fact, the DMCA is not designed to prevent the creation of new methods of locking content and explicitly allows the creation of interoperable software.
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Link: \'Stunned\' Apple attacks \'hacker\' Real
Posted on MacBytes.com
Approved by Mudbug
I don't really care for any corporation, but since Real is so obviously in the wrong, I hope they get their ass handed to them in court.
If they were in the wrong, Apple would have instead today announced a lawsuit. At this point, Apple probably can't find anything notably wrong with their actions, and therein only made this statement.
But I don't know the details of Real's process, so we'll just have to wait and see how it all unfolds.
Sue them!
Take them out apple!
No one needs Real Player anyway
Desparate times call for desparate measures. (In case you're wondering, referring to Real, not Apple.) This is absolutely incredible.
I can see how Real would like to sell songs for the iPod, and I can see a time when it will be acceptable that you could buy songs from many online music stores and play them on your iPod (not necessarily in "any" format - eg: WMA) Fact of the matter is is that you need Apple's buy in... not just "reverse engineering" what they've done. That's nuts.
If they were in the wrong, Apple would have instead today announced a lawsuit. At this point, Apple probably can't find anything notably wrong with their actions, and therein only made this statement.
But I don't know the details of Real's process, so we'll just have to wait and see how it all unfolds.
If the movie industry could sue over the deCSS stuff then this would be a huge case. Actually it's kind of scary for developers. So it is sort of bitter sweet.
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