Apple 'Stunned' by RealNetworks iPod Move

Published on August 1, 2004 By Black Xero In WinCustomize News

Apple Computer Inc. is unhappy with RealNetworks Inc.'s move this week to make its RealPlayer music service compatible with Apple's market-leading iPod digital music player and may take legal action to counter it, the company said on Thursday.

Apple said in a statement it is "stunned that RealNetworks has adopted the tactics and ethics of a hacker to break into the iPod," adding: "We are investigating the (legal) implications."

Apple said once its iPod software is updated it is "highly likely" that RealNetworks files "will cease to work with current and future iPods."

Earlier this week, Seattle-based RealNetworks started offering a test version of its latest media player, RealPlayer 10.5, that allows people to transfer songs purchased on the RealPlayer Music Store service to Apple's iPod.

Reuters is having an article on this issue, check it out for more details

Comments

joetheblow

on Aug 03, 2004

oh please... stunned is not what they really were thinking. More like... never mind. I don't want to go there.

Jingles

on Aug 03, 2004

so,
Is apple saying , if you like real player, don't buy an I-Pod ?

joetheblow

on Aug 03, 2004

hmmmmmm...

PixelCargo

on Aug 04, 2004

lol, Apple.
Were aghainst compatibility.
If we cant take over the world, well sue you. lol

rkadowns

on Aug 04, 2004

Why is it that Apple gets SH!7 thrown at them everytime they try to protect their property?

After all, Apple doesn't force you to use their software. Who pressed "agree" anyway?

I'm one for compatibility too however I'm also one for the freedom to do with what you want with the property no matter what anyone thinks, presuming no laws are being broken. I'm sure Real feels the same regarding their property however I think they have to be breaking some law with what they are doing with Helix.

PixelCargo

on Aug 06, 2004

I don't why you would use Real player anyways.
Its software is filled with add stuff,I just found it funny that Apple even cared.

Sable Drakon

on Aug 06, 2004

Why would Apple even bother to counter this. Wouldn't the addition of RP to the iPod's compatability list bolster peoples reasons to get an iPod?

macrobaye

on Aug 06, 2004

Yea, Sable Dragon, but it would take users away from the iTunes Music Store over to Real Rhapsody

JMB1984

on Aug 09, 2004

so the IPod is fully capable of transfer with other programs other than apple's own, but they're going to go out of their way so that if they buy one thing from apple, they have to buy everything from apple. Control the whole vertical market. Might not be the most plugged in person in the debate, but sounds like some pretty serious anti-competitive behavior to me.

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