The entire computer industry is based on the copying of others work. Please lookup the Compaq/IBM IBM PC BIOS RE case.
No, it's not.
If we're going to make sweeping statements: the computer industry is based on hard work and innovation, and to a lesser extent improving upon accepted conventions. Trotting out some prehistoric BIOS lawsuit proves nothing - those were formative years for the industry and hardly apply to today's situation.
Besides, hardware and software = apples and oranges.
I carry both a PDA and a Cell Phone. While combining them might mean I have to carry less junk in my pockets, I'd rather have them as seperate devices. They are different devices and have mutually incompatible design constraints.
You know I totally agree with you, with one exception: Organizer data.
I used to use a phone + palm, now I just use a bluetooth'd phone. It's fine for little one-line 'meet for lunch' entries, keeps sync with the calendar, keeps phone numbers just fine obviously.
Any 'stronger' PDA functions obviously are better suited for a PDA, but what percentage of people do you think are using PDAs for anything but those tasks?
If it was they wouldn't even be publicy thinking about using the DMCA on real nor would they be such hard asses when it came to people copying 'their' look and feel.
DMCA rattling aside, I totally understand Apple's position on 'their' look and feel, even if I don't necessarily agree with it entirely.
Microsoft copying Apple's efforts is generally considered one of the biggest rip-offs of all time, so I think I'd be a little sensitive about it too. That shit takes work, as anyone who's tried to come up with a theme that looks better than Aqua can attest.
(And don't give me the Xerox argument, that was put to bed years ago.)
I just want MP3s and an MP3 player - I don't want DRM and I won't by anything with DRM in it. Both Real and Apple can sod off for all I care.
Where does everyone get this idea that you can only play DRM'd files bought from iTMS on the iPod?
You can buy an iPod and just rip your own stuff. That's what I do and it works great. I'm in Canada, so no iTMS for me, but it really hasn't bothered my music listening habits. I buy the CDs I want, then keep 'em in a wallet as high-res backups, and use the iPod for everything. It's No Big Deal. No store, no DRM, nothing. Hell, you can even turn off the store icon in iTunes so you never have to sully your eyes with that godless RIAA-0wned enterprise.
Given Real's proprietary and clunky format and their resistance to third-party players of their file format, does anyone else find it a little odd that they're talking about "compatibility and choice" now?
This is really the crux of the issue. Both companies are jockeying for control, there is no totally consumer-friendly opinion from either Apple or Real.
If Real was truly interested in Compatibility and Open Formats then they would just happily sell us unencumbered MP3s or AACs that Apple would never be able to break with an update.
But of course, they are taking a risk and using some interesting grey legalities to get their music onto the iPod, which may or may not work for them.
Now, after having read some of the original posting, I do have to say that Apple should be smarter about this. The hacker comment was stupid (although - you guys who want your word back, you just can't have it, and I wish you'd all get over it and come up with a better word you can 0wn). But really they should work with Real to license the DRM. I don't like Real's tactics and I don't like Real as a company, they've done a great many stupid things in the past, but so has Apple, and Apple pulled themselves together in recent years and generally does try for the most open format whenever possible.
This all hinges on the RIAA's rules for selling music online and I bet that if they could (somehow, magically) not be involved, this would be a non-starter. Apple and Real have worked together before (for Real's QuickTime support).
I've been a big fan of my iPod so far, and defended them publically about the pseudo-DRM in the iTMS files, but honestly, if Apple takes further action against Real rather than sabre-rattling, I'll never buy another Apple product again. And that's not just an angry Squiggleslash speaking, that's a practical one too - I prefer open systems.
Squiggleslash, Squiggleslash... my dear Squggleslash. (sorry couldn't resist.)
You miss the point. When you say: Why should Apple have the right to dictate what people do with their iPods (which is what this amounts to) in the first place? Beyond me copying their software or logos, I don't think their are any issues they should be intefering in when it comes to my iPod. If I want to paint it green, change the battery, use my own headphones, or load music I downloaded from Real, that's up to me. I don't recall, prior to buying the iPod (let alone afterwards) ever agreeing to only buy my DRM-encumbered music from the iTunes music store.
That is absolutely correct. However, by that same token, Apple is under absolutely no obligation to make it easy for you to do any of those things.
I'm sure Apple could care less about the occasional user AudioHijacking a stream or three from other sources. The problem is 1) the legal precedent that could dwindle iPod sales (they do have shareholders to answer to), 2) the support nightmare Apple (NOT Real) will inherit from users who have problems uploading Real songs, especially if the reverse-engineering breaks after an update. These are reasonable concerns, I think.
What I am having a very hard time understanding is when did the consumer stop owning the products he/she has purchased?... If I cannot make changes to the product then write on the box in bold "YOU WILL NOT OWN THIS PRODUCT AFTER PURCHASE. IT WILL REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF..." Since when have we the consumer allowed this to happen?
Oh come on. Do you want to try and apply that argument to something like, say, console games? I can't play Xbox games on my PS2 so obviously there is a major consumer discrepancy going on, right?
If Apple wants to make the iPod work only with their music store, they can do that. Doesn't make it right, or cool, or a good idea, but they can sure as hell do it if they want to - and your 'consumer rights' have nothing to do with it, beyond the freedom to not buy the product or service in question.
I guess "cool hack" is in the eyes of the beholder. To me, this sounds like a kludge (the Pocket PC, gadget and iPod). And all for what? That tired old, barely useful remote control "hack."
Hardly. Did you see what they replaced with this 'tired hack'?
From the article: for example in our place we have our iPod controlling our TV, DVD Player, Direct TV, Ultimate TV PVR, Media Center PC, Xbox, XM Satellite Radio, Roomba and a few other random things like a Robot.
If you have access to a Pocket PC for awhile (the stickiest part), you can plunk down $16 and make your iPod a fantastic Universal Remote with nifty backlight and scrollwheel.
I think that's pretty nifty myself. Really the best part about this is that someone will likely offer a proper iPod solution now, because of this hack.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, after a second or so, nothing continued to happen.
Its brilliant lines like those that have lots of people worried about how this is going to translate into film.
I mean, how exactly do you shoot 'gigantic yellow spaceships hanging in the sky in exactly the way that bricks don't.'
At least the movie blog and credentials are promising. The Hammer and Tongs guys who are doing it are spoken of very favourably by Spike Jonze, Jay Roach, etc. In a way I have more hope just because they are new to features, have everything to prove, and are likely less encumbered by the studio than bigger names.
It sounds like a great idea, I have to say I have been wating for such a cellphone for a while.
What would really rock is if that cellphone had the iPod scrollwheel/clickwheel. I would love one of those instead of the old keypad. I mean really, how often do you dial out numbers instead of picking them from a list? Even number dialing/SMS would not be significantly slower (possibly quicker) if the screen interface is done properly - like, increase the screen resolution and display the numbers in a circle, with a pointer arrow... Ok, too much coffee. )
Still, it makes me sad to think that beautiful scrollwheel will stay with Apple's things only as I believe they have patented the thing.
However since Apple has not licensed the technology to make file formats playable on the iPod
Apple doesn't license their protected formats, true; but if Real wants to sell us a nice, standard MP3 or uncompressed WAV file, the iPod would happily play it.
Don't forget that it constantly loses power (albeit in a low-power sleep state) no matter what you do as there is no way to turn it off. I doubt this is ever a significant factor although you'll probably find it dead or close after a week or so without charging.
I have a theory about this actually... I think the lithium battery the iPod uses has been geared to run down on fairly quickly, quite intentionally. Lithium ion batteries have very few drawbacks - no memory, good life, etc. but the one thing they all do is they run out of juice in a logarithmic way, and they all do it after X number of charges. Also, as with any rechargable batteries its a bad idea to try and re-charge the thing when its still mostly full, as that shortens the lifespan.
Considering - in everyday use - that you want to be able to essentially leave the iPod plugged in/docked for an indeterminate amount of time, but be 'ready to go' the second you decide you are going out the door, it makes sense to have the iPod run down fairly quickly by itself, playing or not. My iPod wakes up every night right at midnight (noticeable if you leave the auto backlight turned on) and I think its checking the power to see what kind of top-up it needs.
Generally speaking, "stability" and "simplicity" or anything else like that aren't really big issues with things like MP3 players, since most MP3 players are created equal.
I respectfully disagree - I think stability and particularly simplicity are aspects that have put the iPod way out in front. These are huge issues for typical consumers. The first thing everyone says when they play with an iPod is "I knew how to use it within ten seconds" or somesuch.
MP3 players are about as universally 'equal' as cars... which is to say, not at all.
Uhm, I have news for Mr Gates: Video on demand has been the "next big thing" for at least the last 10 years....I still don't have it...
Well I have it, and I still don't want it. Rogers (in Canada) has a pretty functional VOD service through their digital cable service. But the experience sucks compared to DVD - much lower resolution because they are cheapskates and compress the hell out of the signal; totally inferior control over the film (rewind? not skip? riiight); and a cost premium over going to the video store ($1 more). No special features. No language selection. And you get access for 24 hours.
So to answer your point, even when it does show up it tends to suck, as an experience, over versions sold on our gloriously high-capacity optical media.
The CD was developed by Phillips and Sony in 1980. I remember the first time I saw a CD player, I think I was 10 years old (1984). They still seem to be kickin' around.
I think DVDs will be around as long as SD video holds out, and I doubt that anyone seriously expects HDTV to pass the 50% adoption mark within 10 years.
what about when your mom gets one of these and catches you jerking off in the basement from outside the house. Yea, that's when the/. crowd will start saying "ummm... maybe this wasn't so cool"
No... that's when we figure out a fantastically clever way to break it.
HOW THE HELL SHOULD I NOT THINK ABOUT AN ELEVATED TRAIN LINE WITH A DEAD END THAT WOULD THROW A BRAKELESS TRAIN RIGHT INTO FIFTH AVENUE!?!?!?!?!?!?!
You should do it like I do, which is to not bother thinking about ridiculous details that don't matter. This is not real-life NY.
Honestly, you remind me of the people who had a problem with Gimli keeping up with a running Aragorn and Legolas in The Two Towers. Its like.... we've got orcs, and wizards, and crazy spells, and giat flaming eyeballs, but this is where you draw your line in the sand? Dwarves can't run, its too unbelievable. What a stupid movie. Heh.
I recommend switching to decaf. When you drink the regular stuff, its LIKE YELLING.
You know - you're response to the parent's post is both well-reasoned and incredibly defensive. Yo have some good points that you totally spoil with asinine cheap shots. "I bet your Mom's real proud"? What the fuck is with that about?
I can tell you aren't an idiot but go back and read your post, you sound like some kind of partisan dickhead. The tell tale signs are there - a shot at Clinton, use of 'far left agenda', your little Republican talking points. You'll have more credibility if you lay off the hostility. Just a suggestion.
Um, graphic violence perhaps. Bodies charred and broken? Bloody, broken corpses of real people?... I call that an R rating.
For what it's worth, Fahrenheit 9/11 received a 14A rating in Canada... and we tend to be a little stricter in terms of such things. For example, an R rating in Canada means if you're under 18, you don't get in at all, even if accompanied by an adult/parent.
Return of the King had a PG-13 rating in the US, and that included a scene with several heads being chucked over a wall via catapult.
From the Wikipedia [wikipedia.org]: "Philips have stated that such discs, which do not meet the Red Book specification, are not permitted to bear the trademarked Compact Disc Digital Audio logo."
You are absolutely correct - however I have noticed that a great many CDs do not have the Compact Disc logo on the outside of the packaging anymore, even if they are an actual red book audio disc. Many use an internal tray liner with an embossed CD logo in the corner, which you only see once you open the disc.
If I was being charitable, I would say this is to save on logo space when designing the actual artwork for the discs. My tinfoil hat side says the RIAA knew that truly cipppled/DRM'd discs are not technically CDs anymore -- and some people would quickly figure that out, once the protected logos started appearing in its place. Since most retail CD stores will not take back an opened CD these days, there's no way to really verify that what you have just purchased is actually a CD until its too late.
As a weird aside, have any of you noticed something quite strange about the 'copy-protected' logo? When I look at that, I think 'play. record. play. record.' Hardly seems appropriate.
Soviet Russia and internal Nazi Germany were abhorent and required papers not for identification, but for permission to travel. To migrate around the country you needed to have a passport. In some cases they didn't even care WHO you were, so long as your paper said "bearer may go from Siberia to Moscow."
"United States courts have recognized for more than a century that honest citizens have the right to travel throughout America without government restrictions. Some people say that everything changed on 9/11, but patriots have stood by our Constitution through centuries of conflict and uncertainty. Any government that tracks its citizens' movements and associations, or restricts their travel using secret decrees, is violating that Constitution," said Gilmore. "With this case, I hope to redirect government anti-terrorism efforts away from intrusive yet useless measures such as ID checks, confiscation of tweezers, and database surveillance of every traveler's life."
So, when you say: You inslut the memory of every person who ever died for daring to try and find a better life away from tyranny by comparing the mere need to identify yourself to a police officer with the controls that the tyrannical regimes of the 20th century used to keep their population from seeking freedom.
By that token, I daresay you insult the memory of those same people by not paying enough attention to what's already happening.
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No, it's not.
If we're going to make sweeping statements: the computer industry is based on hard work and innovation, and to a lesser extent improving upon accepted conventions. Trotting out some prehistoric BIOS lawsuit proves nothing - those were formative years for the industry and hardly apply to today's situation.
Besides, hardware and software = apples and oranges.
You know I totally agree with you, with one exception: Organizer data.
I used to use a phone + palm, now I just use a bluetooth'd phone. It's fine for little one-line 'meet for lunch' entries, keeps sync with the calendar, keeps phone numbers just fine obviously.
Any 'stronger' PDA functions obviously are better suited for a PDA, but what percentage of people do you think are using PDAs for anything but those tasks?
DMCA rattling aside, I totally understand Apple's position on 'their' look and feel, even if I don't necessarily agree with it entirely.
Microsoft copying Apple's efforts is generally considered one of the biggest rip-offs of all time, so I think I'd be a little sensitive about it too. That shit takes work, as anyone who's tried to come up with a theme that looks better than Aqua can attest.
(And don't give me the Xerox argument, that was put to bed years ago.)
Where does everyone get this idea that you can only play DRM'd files bought from iTMS on the iPod?
You can buy an iPod and just rip your own stuff. That's what I do and it works great. I'm in Canada, so no iTMS for me, but it really hasn't bothered my music listening habits. I buy the CDs I want, then keep 'em in a wallet as high-res backups, and use the iPod for everything. It's No Big Deal. No store, no DRM, nothing. Hell, you can even turn off the store icon in iTunes so you never have to sully your eyes with that godless RIAA-0wned enterprise.
This is really the crux of the issue. Both companies are jockeying for control, there is no totally consumer-friendly opinion from either Apple or Real.
If Real was truly interested in Compatibility and Open Formats then they would just happily sell us unencumbered MP3s or AACs that Apple would never be able to break with an update.
But of course, they are taking a risk and using some interesting grey legalities to get their music onto the iPod, which may or may not work for them.
Now, after having read some of the original posting, I do have to say that Apple should be smarter about this. The hacker comment was stupid (although - you guys who want your word back, you just can't have it, and I wish you'd all get over it and come up with a better word you can 0wn). But really they should work with Real to license the DRM. I don't like Real's tactics and I don't like Real as a company, they've done a great many stupid things in the past, but so has Apple, and Apple pulled themselves together in recent years and generally does try for the most open format whenever possible.
This all hinges on the RIAA's rules for selling music online and I bet that if they could (somehow, magically) not be involved, this would be a non-starter. Apple and Real have worked together before (for Real's QuickTime support).
Squiggleslash, Squiggleslash... my dear Squggleslash. (sorry couldn't resist.)
You miss the point. When you say:
Why should Apple have the right to dictate what people do with their iPods (which is what this amounts to) in the first place? Beyond me copying their software or logos, I don't think their are any issues they should be intefering in when it comes to my iPod. If I want to paint it green, change the battery, use my own headphones, or load music I downloaded from Real, that's up to me. I don't recall, prior to buying the iPod (let alone afterwards) ever agreeing to only buy my DRM-encumbered music from the iTunes music store.
That is absolutely correct. However, by that same token, Apple is under absolutely no obligation to make it easy for you to do any of those things.
I'm sure Apple could care less about the occasional user AudioHijacking a stream or three from other sources. The problem is 1) the legal precedent that could dwindle iPod sales (they do have shareholders to answer to), 2) the support nightmare Apple (NOT Real) will inherit from users who have problems uploading Real songs, especially if the reverse-engineering breaks after an update. These are reasonable concerns, I think.
Oh come on. Do you want to try and apply that argument to something like, say, console games? I can't play Xbox games on my PS2 so obviously there is a major consumer discrepancy going on, right?
If Apple wants to make the iPod work only with their music store, they can do that. Doesn't make it right, or cool, or a good idea, but they can sure as hell do it if they want to - and your 'consumer rights' have nothing to do with it, beyond the freedom to not buy the product or service in question.
Hardly. Did you see what they replaced with this 'tired hack'?
From the article:
for example in our place we have our iPod controlling our TV, DVD Player, Direct TV, Ultimate TV PVR, Media Center PC, Xbox, XM Satellite Radio, Roomba and a few other random things like a Robot.
If you have access to a Pocket PC for awhile (the stickiest part), you can plunk down $16 and make your iPod a fantastic Universal Remote with nifty backlight and scrollwheel.
I think that's pretty nifty myself. Really the best part about this is that someone will likely offer a proper iPod solution now, because of this hack.
Its brilliant lines like those that have lots of people worried about how this is going to translate into film.
I mean, how exactly do you shoot 'gigantic yellow spaceships hanging in the sky in exactly the way that bricks don't.'
At least the movie blog and credentials are promising. The Hammer and Tongs guys who are doing it are spoken of very favourably by Spike Jonze, Jay Roach, etc. In a way I have more hope just because they are new to features, have everything to prove, and are likely less encumbered by the studio than bigger names.
Except without any action. It's just a logo. That's why you are reminded of Men In Black, I think the trailer did something similar.
I think it was appropriate here though - the Guide would certainly have a logo. The graphic style reminds me of some of the StarShip Titanic stuff.
The '42' floating in the stars on the upper-left side near the end was a nice touch.
One more thing... you forgot Pony.
What would really rock is if that cellphone had the iPod scrollwheel/clickwheel. I would love one of those instead of the old keypad. I mean really, how often do you dial out numbers instead of picking them from a list? Even number dialing/SMS would not be significantly slower (possibly quicker) if the screen interface is done properly - like, increase the screen resolution and display the numbers in a circle, with a pointer arrow... Ok, too much coffee. )
Still, it makes me sad to think that beautiful scrollwheel will stay with Apple's things only as I believe they have patented the thing.
Apple doesn't license their protected formats, true; but if Real wants to sell us a nice, standard MP3 or uncompressed WAV file, the iPod would happily play it.
What.
I have a theory about this actually... I think the lithium battery the iPod uses has been geared to run down on fairly quickly, quite intentionally. Lithium ion batteries have very few drawbacks - no memory, good life, etc. but the one thing they all do is they run out of juice in a logarithmic way, and they all do it after X number of charges. Also, as with any rechargable batteries its a bad idea to try and re-charge the thing when its still mostly full, as that shortens the lifespan.
Considering - in everyday use - that you want to be able to essentially leave the iPod plugged in/docked for an indeterminate amount of time, but be 'ready to go' the second you decide you are going out the door, it makes sense to have the iPod run down fairly quickly by itself, playing or not. My iPod wakes up every night right at midnight (noticeable if you leave the auto backlight turned on) and I think its checking the power to see what kind of top-up it needs.
Just a half-assed guess, mind you.
I respectfully disagree - I think stability and particularly simplicity are aspects that have put the iPod way out in front. These are huge issues for typical consumers. The first thing everyone says when they play with an iPod is "I knew how to use it within ten seconds" or somesuch.
MP3 players are about as universally 'equal' as cars... which is to say, not at all.
Well I have it, and I still don't want it. Rogers (in Canada) has a pretty functional VOD service through their digital cable service. But the experience sucks compared to DVD - much lower resolution because they are cheapskates and compress the hell out of the signal; totally inferior control over the film (rewind? not skip? riiight); and a cost premium over going to the video store ($1 more). No special features. No language selection. And you get access for 24 hours.
So to answer your point, even when it does show up it tends to suck, as an experience, over versions sold on our gloriously high-capacity optical media.
I think DVDs will be around as long as SD video holds out, and I doubt that anyone seriously expects HDTV to pass the 50% adoption mark within 10 years.
Thanks for the laugh.
No... that's when we figure out a fantastically clever way to break it.
You should do it like I do, which is to not bother thinking about ridiculous details that don't matter. This is not real-life NY.
Honestly, you remind me of the people who had a problem with Gimli keeping up with a running Aragorn and Legolas in The Two Towers. Its like.... we've got orcs, and wizards, and crazy spells, and giat flaming eyeballs, but this is where you draw your line in the sand? Dwarves can't run, its too unbelievable. What a stupid movie. Heh.
I recommend switching to decaf. When you drink the regular stuff, its LIKE YELLING.
I can tell you aren't an idiot but go back and read your post, you sound like some kind of partisan dickhead. The tell tale signs are there - a shot at Clinton, use of 'far left agenda', your little Republican talking points. You'll have more credibility if you lay off the hostility. Just a suggestion.
For what it's worth, Fahrenheit 9/11 received a 14A rating in Canada... and we tend to be a little stricter in terms of such things. For example, an R rating in Canada means if you're under 18, you don't get in at all, even if accompanied by an adult/parent.
Return of the King had a PG-13 rating in the US, and that included a scene with several heads being chucked over a wall via catapult.
You are absolutely correct - however I have noticed that a great many CDs do not have the Compact Disc logo on the outside of the packaging anymore, even if they are an actual red book audio disc. Many use an internal tray liner with an embossed CD logo in the corner, which you only see once you open the disc.
If I was being charitable, I would say this is to save on logo space when designing the actual artwork for the discs. My tinfoil hat side says the RIAA knew that truly cipppled/DRM'd discs are not technically CDs anymore -- and some people would quickly figure that out, once the protected logos started appearing in its place. Since most retail CD stores will not take back an opened CD these days, there's no way to really verify that what you have just purchased is actually a CD until its too late.
As a weird aside, have any of you noticed something quite strange about the 'copy-protected' logo? When I look at that, I think 'play. record. play. record.' Hardly seems appropriate.
Allow me to introduce you to Gilmore vs. Ashcroft.
A sample:
"United States courts have recognized for more than a century that honest citizens have the right to travel throughout America without government restrictions. Some people say that everything changed on 9/11, but patriots have stood by our Constitution through centuries of conflict and uncertainty. Any government that tracks its citizens' movements and associations, or restricts their travel using secret decrees, is violating that Constitution," said Gilmore. "With this case, I hope to redirect government anti-terrorism efforts away from intrusive yet useless measures such as ID checks, confiscation of tweezers, and database surveillance of every traveler's life."
So, when you say:
You inslut the memory of every person who ever died for daring to try and find a better life away from tyranny by comparing the mere need to identify yourself to a police officer with the controls that the tyrannical regimes of the 20th century used to keep their population from seeking freedom.
By that token, I daresay you insult the memory of those same people by not paying enough attention to what's already happening.