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Apple Not Too Harmonious with Real
An anonymous reader writes "As if in answer to the question previously asked on Slashdot, CNN Money is reporting that Apple isn't all that happy that Real pried open the door to the iPod for its RealMedia files. "We are stunned that RealNetworks has adopted the tactics and ethics of a hacker to break into the iPod." It should be interesting to see how this pans out in court, and if the DeCSS case serves as some sort of precedent."
Many people seem to be under the impression that the iPod is an mp3 player. That's not entirely true - it plays AAC files (mpeg2) not MP3 files (mpeg1layer3). The MP3 files are converted to AAC files before they hit the iPod, IIRC (I could be wrong about this)
What's the significance? AAC files have copyright protection built in, something which MP3's lack.
I read TFA, but I couldn't seem to figure out what exactly Real Networks did - did they hack the iPod firmware to actually play MP3 files, or did they figure out the copy protection Apple uses on it's AAC files. Anyone venture a guess?
"you can't fault Apple for using a law on the books ... to protect its own business interests"
You certainly CAN fault them--just because someone hands you the One Ring doesn't mean that you have to use it for evil.
Well I hope all the Apple zealots are choking on this, since it exposes Apple's desire to become an abusive monopoly.
RealNetworks is in a shithole because of their stupid tactics with companies and users. No one likes their software. Those who install RealNetworks products are either stupid or have no choice.
Bullshit. If I own a device, I can do whatever the fuck I want with it. So can Real. Any court that finds in Apple's favour over this is blatently corrupt.
-- Even if a god did exist, why the fsck should I worship it?
An unjust law is an unjust law and we can fault Apple for using it. If apple existed in the 19th cen tury and used slave labor, would that still be morally acceptable because it was perfectly legal under US law?
Anyway, we were wondering when you were going to get back to us.
Thanks.
There's a UK law which permits the killing of Welsh people in Chester, provided you use a bow...
Sensible policies for a happier Chester.
# init 5
Connection closed.
Oh...
..I don't want any stinking choice! (Not that I should have any say in the matter..) Apple should tell me what to do with my iPod, and damn any company that lets me decide!
Seriously, when is choice ever a bad thing? Ok.. apart from "Do I watch the end of the game, or do I go to the fridge to get a beer". That's nasty.