Apple accuses Real of hacking into iPod

The statement accuses Real of hacking Apple's technology and says it may pursue legal action under the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

Last week, RealNetworks unveiled its new 'Harmony' software that makes downloads from its online music store compatible with any portable media player, including Apple's iPod. The move followed a public falling out with Apple, after it was barred access to the digital player.

The new Harmony technology enables users to transfer music from Real's store to more than 70 other music devices, including Creative, iRiver, RCA, Rio, Samsung, palmOne and the iPod. Previously, Real music was supported by a single MP3 player- the Creative Nomad Jukebox Zen Xtra.

Apple says: "We are stunned that RealNetworks has adopted the tactics and ethics of a hacker to break into the iPod and we are investigating the implications of its actions under the DMCA and other laws."

"We strongly caution Real and their customers that when we update our iPod software from time-to-time it is highly likely that Real's Harmony technology will cease to work with current and future iPods," the company said.

Apple's iPod has only supported digitally protected songs in the AAC format, which carry restrictions on their use, purchased from the iTunes Music Store. However, Real says its new Harmony software will make commercial songs from its RealPlayer Music Store compatible with FairPlay, the digital rights management, or DRM, standard Apple uses to protect songs from unauthorized copying and playback.

Real has claimed that its engineers achieved the technology through analysing publicly available information.



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