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New iPod Firmware Locks Out RealNetworks Music
rishimathew writes "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." You may remember the backstory: Real found a way to allow their DRM-restricted music to play on iPods, Apple protested, and there was a little back-and-forth. You asked Rob Glaser about the situation, and he said Real had a "comprehensive plan", whatever that means.
Well, here's yet another reason not to use iTunes.
There, I said it.
I think iTunes sucks. I know everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but when I see iTunes get lauded on this site as a playlist godsend, I shudder. Apple is a trendy company that makes trendy products. Unfortunately all of them don't work as well as the iPod, but the fanboys will use whatever is fed to them.
Winamp works for me, and has worked since I dumped Frauhnhoeffer mplayer for it. It doesn't take up a lot of real estate on the screen, can play just about anything, and can work with the iPod (although I haven't tried that)
I got a iPod (free by the way, the pyramid scheme works). I first tried using iTunes to load music onto it, but the way it handled the tags of mp3s was pathetic in my opinion. I use J. River Media Center for my Tivo, and that supports iPod, so I used that for a while. What I settled on was Anapod Explorer. I did have to pay a little for it, but it's smart (sql interface anyone?), the interface is simple and what I'm used to (unlike iTunes), and it supports features iTunes doesn't.
It took me a while to set it up so iTunes didn't try to rape and pillage my playlist whenever I plugged it in.
Oh, and I can't forget Ephpod, it's free but the interface is slightly lacking. I use that for taking music of other people's iPods.
I still use iTunes to buy music when I'm too lazy to go to the store, and I use hymn to convert them so I can enjoy them drm-free on my iPod.
Problem solved.
I just heard some sad news on talk radio - Horror/Sci Fi writer Stephen King was found dead in his Maine home this morning. There weren't any more details. I'm sure everyone on Doomworld will miss him - even if you didn't enjoy his work, there's no denying his contributions to popular culture. Truly an American icon.
...right after you give me you email address and let me stick some harmless executables in your startup folder.
...that makes me love my Iriver with OGG support even more :)
When installed on an unsuspecting Slashdotters PC, it launches IE and repeatedly loads Roland's blog and the Engadget website.
Mod parent up!! You've hit it on the head.
G-Force music visualization