Story: Apple vs Real: Is the user the loser?

Posted by: mjsmitho (Tuesday 10 August 2004, 1:03 AM)

It is absurd to suggest Apple should be happy, that Real has Hacked it's way in to the iPods DRM, without proper support from Apple. Apple, at times, must change their Fairplay DRM, to protect themselves. This means that the first time Apple updates Fairplay, and breaks the Real Harmony encoded songs, not allowing customers to play these songs, the customers will be pissed. Will they be informed enough, and lay the blame where it belongs, on Real? NO! They will believe Apple is to blame.

Apple cannot afford the liability of a hack to access their DRM system.

Real needs to have serious negotiations to license Fairplay, not just an email to Steve from Rob. The recent Motorolla deal, obviously suggest Apple is willing to license Fairplay.