Jari Ketola
16 Apr 2004 7:53
Real Networks has reportedly contacted Apple several times in hopes of getting a foothold in both the Apple iTunes music store, and the iPod portable player.
Real CEO Rob Glaser has warned Apple, that sticking to its current policy might endanger Apple's position in the long run, and give "Microsoft friendly" music stores an edge. While Real's Rhapsody service uses the same AAC format as Apple is using at iTunes, only songs bought from iTunes can be played with the iPod player. That's because Apple doesn't license its DRM technology to third parties.
With Apple having a strong presence with iPod and iTunes, and Microsoft pushing its own DRM protected Windows Media technology to content providers, it seems that Real is quite desperate to find allies.
Source: Financial Times