Is Real's 'hacking' of iPod legal?

Grok Headline matches for Is Real's 'hacking' of iPod legal?

Is Real's iPod 'hacking' legal?

Is Real's iPod 'hacking' legal? 07/30/2004 01:58 PM
ZDNet Jul 30 2004 6:42PM GMT

Is Real's iPod "hacking" legal?

Is Real's iPod "hacking" legal? 07/30/2004 01:58 PM
Underground code-crackers risk fines and prison time. But ordinary corporate reverse engineering is a very different thing.

Is Real's iPod

Is Real's iPod 07/30/2004 05:29 PM
According to legal experts what RealNetwork’s did wasn't illegal. While the analyst agreed that RealNetwork's did in fact use hacking techniques. RealNetwork's didn't change anything that would effect the overall music protection that Apple invented "Fairplay". Instead RealNetwork’s simply changed Apple's technology for its benefit, but maintained security on the iPod.

Code-crackers risk fines and prison time when they defeat copy-protection technology, but such draconian rules likely don't apply in the case of RealNetworks and its iPod "hack," legal experts said.

Efforts by both code-crackers and Real could undermine Apple Computer's plans for its popular digital music player and its iTunes Music Store, which together have put Apple so far ahead of the competition that companies such as Real appear ready to do virtually anything to catch up.

In a move Apple said reflected the "tactics and ethics of a hacker," RealNetworks this week essentially replicated Apple's proprietary digital rights management software. Known as Fairplay, the software prevents consumers from making unlimited copies of songs and ensures that the iPod doesn't work with any other kinds of copy-protected formats. As a result, songs purchased on Real's music download service will now play on the iPod--something Apple contends may be illegal.

News source: C|Net News.com

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'Stunned' Apple rails against Real's
iPod move

'Stunned' Apple rails against Real's
iPod move 07/29/2004 09:42 AM
Apple Computer on Thursday issued a scathing response to RealNetworks' move to unlock Apple's proprietary technology and make it possible for people to listen to music in RealNetworks' digital file format on iPod devices.

In a terse statement, a "stunned" Apple accused RealNetworks of adopting "the tactics and ethics of a hacker" with the release of its Harmony software, which allows songs sold via its online store to be played on a variety of portable devices, including Apple's iPod and Microsoft-compatible rivals. Apple threatened to block access to the iPod using Harmony the next time it updates the software used to run the device. The company last week unveiled the fourth generation of the trend-setting music player.

"It is highly likely that Real's Harmony technology will cease to work with current and future iPods," the company said in its statement. In addition, Apple said that it is investigating the implications of Real's software strategy under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and other laws. The DMCA broadly restricts the bypassing of copy-protection technologies used in DVDs and in some music CDs and software programs.

News source: C|Net News.com

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Real's online songs now easier to
transfer to iPod

Real's online songs now easier to
transfer to iPod 07/26/2004 05:46 AM
Straitstimes.asia1.com.sg - Mon Jul 26, 09:58 am GMT

Want some Legal Music for your iPod how
about 2.6Gigs

Want some Legal Music for your iPod how
about 2.6Gigs 03/14/2005 04:34 PM

How does 2.6 gigs of MP3's sound, the organizers of South by Southwest Festivals have put up the biggest torrent I have ever seen. I am sure broadband providers are cringing. It will be interesting to see how long this download takes. Gonna burn up the broadband wire tonight. [SXSW]

Apple's 10-Q notes iPod battery legal
entanglements

Apple's 10-Q notes iPod battery legal
entanglements 02/10/2004 01:24 PM
Apple's most recent 10-Q filing with the SEC was published on Tuesday. The quarterly report provides a glimpse into some of the company's business and financial machinations, as well as a possible look at what Apple may do in the future. Of particular interest to iPod users is Apple's acknowledgement that it's involved in five separate class action suits regarding iPod battery life.

Apple's 10-Q notes iPod battery legal
entanglements (MacCentral)

Apple's 10-Q notes iPod battery legal
entanglements (MacCentral) 02/10/2004 01:15 PM
MacCentral - Apple's most recent 10-Q filing with the SEC was published on Tuesday. The quarterly report provides a glimpse into some of the company's business and financial machinations, as well as a possible look at what Apple may do in the future. Of particular interest to iPod users is Apple's acknowledgement that it's involved in five separate class action suits regarding iPod battery life.

What Real's Hacking Of FairPlay Doesn't
Do

What Real's Hacking Of FairPlay Doesn't
Do 07/26/2004 07:19 PM
Note what Real is not doing. You can convert Real files into FairPlay files, but you can't convert FairPlay files into Real files. By Ernest Miller, Corante (via MyAppleMenu)

Real's MSN Music foothold

Real's MSN Music foothold 09/21/2004 08:41 AM
After courting users of Apple's music service, is RealNetworks turning its attention to users of Microsoft's MSN Music? Not specifically, perhaps, but Jupiter Research analyst Joe Wilcox writes on the Microsoft Monitor weblog that he noticed an unexpected sponsored link on a search results page inside the MSN Music store -- touting none other than RealNetworks' competing RealPlayer Music Store. Clicking on the link takes users from the MSN Music site to the related page within the RealNetworks service. (Click here for a screenshot I took after reading his post.) There is an explanation: The sponsored results within the MSN Music service's search function use the same technology as the broader MSN Search service does, licensed from Yahoo's Overture Services unit. (The same query on MSN Search yields the same link to the RealNetworks store.)

Real's promotion wraps up

Real's promotion wraps up 09/09/2004 10:54 AM

Real's scramble points to isolation

Real's scramble points to isolation 04/15/2004 03:53 PM
Powerful strides by Apple and Microsoft point to the digital media pioneer's need for alliances.

Real's Helix Now in Linux Distros

Real's Helix Now in Linux Distros 06/28/2004 06:08 PM
Real's Helix will join three current media player projects in the open source community.

Real's Helix Finds Big-Name Partners

Real's Helix Finds Big-Name Partners 10/29/2002 09:39 AM
On the day the source code for the Helix DNA Client is released, RealNetworks announces partnerships with big-name electronics and chipset firms using the open-source technology. Can Helix Deliver the Real Stuff?

Real's Harmony Arrives with Convergence

Real's Harmony Arrives with Convergence 07/27/2004 12:32 PM
Internet News Jul 27 2004 5:02PM GMT

Apple questions Real's technology

Apple questions Real's technology 07/30/2004 11:54 AM

Real's Helix Heads to Nordic Region

Real's Helix Heads to Nordic Region 01/26/2004 03:02 PM
Internet News Jan 26 2004 6:02PM GMT

Real's petition backfires thanks to
Apple fans

Real's petition backfires thanks to
Apple fans 08/17/2004 10:58 AM
In addition to its new anti-Apple Web site, RealNetworks has created an online petition aimed at Apple: Dear Apple, Your company has long stood for innovation and open competition...

Real's Half-Price Sale: $.49 Songs

Real's Half-Price Sale: $.49 Songs 08/17/2004 07:32 AM

To kick off its iPod-compatible "Harmony" music download service (which works inside of RealPlayer), RealNetworks is offering a limited-time half-price sale, selling online downloads for just $.49, as well as half-price albums. This is separate from Real's streaming Rhapsody service, although Real plans to add the Harmony songs to that service as well later in the year. The upshot of all of this? Ignoring Wal-Mart's initial lower-price entry into the music download space, this could be the start of the first legal music downloading price war. Apple probably won't flinch (yet), but hopefully this is a sign of lower prices all around in the near future.

Read - RealNetworks slashes song prices [CNet]

Related
AllofMP3.com Impressions: Serious Contender [Gizmodo]

Week in review: Real's deal for Apple

Week in review: Real's deal for Apple 04/16/2004 12:59 PM
RealNetworks purportedly makes overtures to Apple Computer to form an alliance in the digital music arena, but Real could end up with rival Microsoft as its dance partner.

Linux companies hit play on Real's
software

Linux companies hit play on Real's
software 06/28/2004 10:11 AM
Against the backdrop of Microsoft's media player troubles in Europe, Novell and Red Hat tap an open-source rival.

Apple questions Real's technology
(SiliconValley.com)

Apple questions Real's technology
(SiliconValley.com) 07/30/2004 08:22 AM
SiliconValley.com - Apple Computer on Thursday questioned the legality of RealNetworks' move to technologically pick the lock on its iPod music player.

Real's Rhapsody RadioPlus to play on
Comcast

Real's Rhapsody RadioPlus to play on
Comcast 01/05/2005 04:14 PM
Firms expand content deal to bring Internet radio service to Comcast.net.

Buffer Overruns Found in Real's Helix
Server

Buffer Overruns Found in Real's Helix
Server 12/23/2002 09:54 AM
Three security flaws found in RealNetworks new Helix Universal Server 9.0 are remedied.

Apple issues official statement on
Real's Harmony

Apple issues official statement on
Real's Harmony 07/29/2004 08:20 AM
Apple today issued the following statement in response to RealNetworks's announcement earlier week that it will release new software that allows songs purchased through its online music store to be played on Apple's iPod -- the first time a company other than Apple has sold songs that will work with the popular device...

Apple Refuses to Sing with Real's
Harmony (02-Aug-2004; 8.6K)

Apple Refuses to Sing with Real's
Harmony (02-Aug-2004; 8.6K) 08/02/2004 08:53 PM

Real's Hijack Of FairPlay? No Big Deal
To Apple, Real, And Their Customers

Real's Hijack Of FairPlay? No Big Deal
To Apple, Real, And Their Customers 08/19/2004 11:52 AM
As I like to remind my dear readers, here in Singapore, we don't even have photo prints and photo books in iPhoto yet, so, naturally, we can't participate in the grand shopping experience of either iTunes Music Store nor Real's Rhapsody store. I don't even own an iPod or any MP3 players (except my computers, of course). So, obviously, the latest issues surrounding Real's reverse engineering of FairPlay doesn't concern me. :-)
No, seriously. I believe it's not a big deal as many has made out to be.
Let's do one pretend exercise. Let's pretend that, instead of selling DRM-protected music files, Real is selling unprotected, no-DRM, plain old MP3 files.
Now, in this pretend world, of course Real's customer can purchase Real music files, and upload them to the iPod for their listening pleasure. (In fact, there are already such stores out there, just that they are not from Real.) Would Apple fans then be protesting against Real reverse-ennginnering FairPlay to allow their music to be uploaded to the iPod? Obviously not.
Now, of course, Real is not selling plain old MP3s. If, in our pretend world, Real is selling non-protected music files, while Apple is being forced to sell DRM-protected music files, wouldn't that place iTMS in a disadvantaged position? Music fans will flock to Real in huge numbers, wouldn't they?
Well, not really. Because Apple is selling non-protected plain old AAC files too.
After all, it is well-documented (by everybody except Apple, that is) that you can simply burn your iTMS files onto audio CDs, and the DRM is automatically removed.
Even if Apple removed this functionality due to pressure from third-parties, somebody will immediately crack whatever DRM system Apple is imposing on its customers. After all, it is well known (well, at least to the Slashdot community :-) that all DRM can be broken. That's what you get when you place the encryption algorithm and all the encryption keys together in the same customer's hands.
But let's pretend some more. Even if Apple invented a perfect DRM system that cannot be broken, the channel between the speakers and your brain will still be unprotected, so I wouldn't worry too much. Until someday where the iTMS requirements include a trip to your local Apple Store to get a decryption chip implanted into your brain, we can safely pretend that Apple is selling non-protected no-DRM plain old AAC files.
So, in our pretend world, everyone is selling non-DRMed files, that can be freely uploaded to any MP3 players out there. So, you see, it's really no big deal.
Now, when viewed in this light, wouldn't you say that the fact that Real reversed engineered FairPlay to be, well, a non-issue?
P.S. Sony will be the ultimate loser in this pretend world, as their player does not play plain old MP3s.
P.P.S. The whole "freedom of choice" advertisement campaign by Real is entirely tasteless and stupid, but that's another story.

Las Vegas Legal Video Hires Emmy Winner
as Legal Video Specialist

Las Vegas Legal Video Hires Emmy Winner
as Legal Video Specialist 06/24/2004 03:02 AM
Emmy-Winner Schwartz brings wealth of experience to upstart Las Vegas company [PRWEB Jun 24, 2004]

"how-to record on your ipod (for free) -
ipod hacks - ipod.hackaday.com"

"how-to record on your ipod (for free) -
ipod hacks - ipod.hackaday.com" 12/31/2004 04:38 PM

BB-Shopping Is One of the Best Resources
for Mobile Phone Accessories, Ipod
Accessories (Ipod, Ipod Arm Band)and
Many More

BB-Shopping Is One of the Best Resources
for Mobile Phone Accessories, Ipod
Accessories (Ipod, Ipod Arm Band)and
Many More 02/01/2005 08:46 PM
One Place Resource for Ipod Accessories and other Consumer Electronic Gadgets [PRWEB Jan 26, 2005]

Apple iPod: Apple's Evolutionary iPod
Gets Better But Leaves Room For
Improvement

Apple iPod: Apple's Evolutionary iPod
Gets Better But Leaves Room For
Improvement 04/13/2005 01:49 AM

The iPod's thoughful design and features make it an excellent MP3 player. But for picky buyers who are holding out for the ideal portable music device, the wait continues. By Eric Dahl, PC World

Griffin intros soft auto cradle for
iPod, iPod mini

Griffin intros soft auto cradle for
iPod, iPod mini 09/01/2004 12:34 AM
Griffin Technology today announced the PodPod, a soft foam iPod cradle that slips into any auto cup holder...

News: Griffin ships AirClick Remote for
iPod, iPod mini

News: Griffin ships AirClick Remote for
iPod, iPod mini 03/31/2005 07:35 PM
Griffin Technology Inc. on Thursday announced the release of their AirClick Remote for iPod and iPod mini, a remote control designed, as you might have guessed, to work with Apple's iPod and iPod mini. The AirClick Remote is different from most iPod remote controls because it works using Radio Frequency (RF) technology instead of infrared, so it doesn't require a line of sight to the iPod and can operate up to 60 feet away, according to Griffin. It's shipping now for US$39.99.

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters debuts
iBoom, the first boombox solution for
iPod & iPod mini

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters debuts
iBoom, the first boombox solution for
iPod & iPod mini 08/20/2004 02:27 AM
Digital Lifestyle Outfitters, a leading designer and manufacturer of iPod and MP3 player accessories, announced today that they are producing iBoom, the first and only boombox solution designed specifically for iPod and iPod mini. [PRWEB Aug 20, 2004]

Mad Catz iKit cables for iPod and iPod
Mini [Flickr]

Mad Catz iKit cables for iPod and iPod
Mini [Flickr] 03/23/2005 12:57 PM

MacMerc.com posted a photo:

Mad Catz announces iKit cables for iPod
and iPod Mini

Mad Catz announces iKit cables for iPod
and iPod Mini 03/23/2005 12:57 PM



Mad Catz announced today that its iKit bundles for iPod and iPod Mini are now shipping. The iKit bundle contains a high performance RCA cable to connect an iPod to a home stereo, a car adapter with a 6-foot extension cord and an elegant horizontal carry case. The iKit is available for USD$39.99 online and at select retailers worldwide.

Win an iPod mini at the South Beach iPod
Garage Party

Win an iPod mini at the South Beach iPod
Garage Party 08/27/2004 02:00 PM
Win an iPod mini at the South Beach iPod Garage Party

What's cooler than hanging with your fellow iPod users on Miami's South Beach on September 1st? How about going home with a brand new iPod mini in your pocket?

Yeah, that probably got your attention. But thanks to event sponsors iPodResQ, the iPod mini is just one prize among many that we'll be giving away at the South Beach iPod Garage Party. So what do you have to do to win? All you have to do is show up with your iPod, connect it to our sound system, and play "DJ" for twelve minutes as you share the highlights of your own music library with the rest of us (as many songs as you like, as long as it fits within the time limit). Yep, it's your very own twelve minutes of fame.

Holy Dichotomy! Writer Calls iPod
'World's Most Elegant' Nine Days After
Writing Dell DJ 'Surpassed' iPod

Holy Dichotomy! Writer Calls iPod
'World's Most Elegant' Nine Days After
Writing Dell DJ 'Surpassed' iPod 12/09/2003 07:29 PM
(MacDailyNews via MyAppleMenu)

DLO debuts iBoom boombox for iPod, iPod
mini

DLO debuts iBoom boombox for iPod, iPod
mini 08/18/2004 05:04 PM
Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) today announced iBoom, a boombox solution designed specifically for the iPod and iPod mini...
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Is Real's 'hacking' of iPod legal?

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