In a move that will undoubtedly take the rivalry to another level, Apple has indicated that the next generation of iPods will "actively block" attempts by Real Networks to make their format playable on Apple's wunderkind of a tech toy. This heated relationship stems from a development that Real introduced in July that would allow Real format audio files to be played on iPods.

Apple then filed a lawsuit to block Real, but according to IT Observer, they may have created technical means with which to stymie Real's attempts. Apple's protection involves allowing the iPod to only play files that were purchased from iTunes or the common mp3 format.

Real Networks had no comment concerning Apple's moves.

In other Apple news, the company has recently reported that their iTunes store has reached the 200 million downloads mark. iTunes, which launched in Spring of 2003, has seen increases in the amount of downloads since its release.

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Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest search news.