Apple blocks iPod Photo from RealNetworks Harmony

Apple blocks iPod Photo from RealNetworks Harmony

Apple has finally done it. They have blocked the files downloaded from RealNetworks music store from playing on iPod Photo. The software update on the Apple’s music player will not let it now play files downloaded from Real’s Harmony software.

Both RealNetworks and Apple have confirmed this in press statements. However, Real has promised to look into ways for iPod users to play files downloaded from their stores. The statement said: “We remain fully committed to providing consumers with the freedom to use the music libraries they purchase from us on different portable audio devices, both now and in the future — including the iPod Photo”.

However, the block only applies on the Photo enabled version of the iPods. Normal iPods are still able to play the files from RealNetworks. Apple has always been very strict with the kind of freedom iPod users got with their players. Only the songs downloaded from iTunes are allowed on the iPods.

RealNetworks announced in July that they found a way to get past the block despite Apple’s claim that the tactic was equivalent to hacking.