Today, Apple released a statement responding to Real’s announcement of Harmony:
We are stunned that RealNetworks has adopted the tactics and ethics of a hacker to break into the iPod(R), and we are investigating the implications of their 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.
Translated: “The next software update to the iPod will prevent Harmony-DRM’ed files from playing on the iPod.”
Derek Slater: Apple Threatens Real
Along with piracy rhetoric, we now get evil hacker rhetoric. Since when is reverse engineering unethical? Oh right – since the DMCA, which Apple is predictably waving around. Let me remind you that Real was one of the first companies to sue the creator of an interoperating product under the DMCA, so it’s not as if they’re the innocent defenders of innovation here. This could make for a fine DMCA battle royale, with copyright holders caught in between. Or it could fade away – we’ll see.
Ernest Miller: Apple Gets Real Serious About Harmony
As if being a hacker is a bad thing. What do you call those two guys who built a computer in their garage and started a little computer company named after a fruit?
BusinessWeek: For Apple, Harmony Is Off-Key
Apple CEO Steven P. Jobs should clearly and firmly squelch Real’s attempt to infiltrate Apple’s music empire. GartnerG2 analyst Mike McGuire sums it up: “At some point, Apple may decide to license [its iPod technology] to others. But they should do it for good business reasons, not because a rival issues a press release or some beta software.”
