RealNetworks, the
company behind the RealPlayer software, recently released a hack
for Apple's iPod. This hack, Harmony Technology (as it is called),
allows people to play other formats of music (other than MP3, AIFF,
and AAC) on their iPod.
Considering that most download sites don't use any of those
formats, Harmony allows people who want to purchase songs from
Real's site and play it on their iPod, to do so.
However, Apple doesn't like this. In fact, they've issued a
statement saying that RealNetworks may have violated the DMCA
(which helps protect electronic copyright). Understandably, Apple
is upset, particularly because Real just went ahead with it without
getting permission (not that Apple would have said yes anyway).
Apple now says that the Harmony software may not (in other words,
probably won't) work in future versions of its iPod software and
future releases of the iPod.
Is Apple just harming itself?
![The Macintosh]()
Apple has historically
been very closed when it comes to its technology. Think of the original Mac, which was literally
closed - an average consumer couldn't open it, and you couldn't
even add memory!
Apple finally did away with its proprietary ADB and serial ports
in 1998, but the Mac OS still runs only on Macs, and many more
recent Apple monitors only work on Apple computers.
Even the original iPod was Mac-only.
So it's not unusual for Apple to decide on a closed-door policy
when it comes to the music format used on its iPod. But might it
possibly be good for them to open up a little? If people could
download music from other sites and use those files on an iPod,
would they be more likely to buy an iPod in the first place?
Or would the iTunes Music Store lose money when people start
finding it more convenient to just download their music from
another site - or start using several different ones? While I like
what Real is trying to do - allow people to use something other
than the Apple AAC and the MP3 format - I totally understand
Apple's concern. Perhaps the iPod, being able to play other
formats, will actually harm the fair share of online music sales
Apple is experiencing with it's iTunes Music Store.
Given that Apple says it is barely past breaking even, this
could be a problem for them.
But what if it compromised with RealNetworks?
Apple could allow Real to produce the software in exchange for
some publicity for the iTunes Music Store. The songs that Real
doesn't have, they could link so you could download them from
Apple. That way Real would benefit - consumers would be able to
play another format on their iPod - and Apple wouldn't totally lose
out.
Knowing Apple, it will maintain its stance, and things will
probably turn out just fine for them anyway.
