Quantcast
PCWorld.com is upgrading some back-end systems. Some site features, such as user registration, may be temporarily unavailable.
Subscribe to magazine

Real Networks Makes a Software Mix

RealOne, company's latest media tool, will combine features of Player and Jukebox applications.

Joris Evers, IDG News Service

  • 0 Yes
  • 0 No

RealNetworks is mixing two of its most popular media applications into one new product. The company's RealPlayer and RealJukebox programs will be melded into a new tool that has been dubbed RealOne, RealNetworks announced Monday.

The standalone RealPlayer, popular among users who only want a basic player for streaming audio and video in the RealNetworks format, will no longer exist after the fusion. RealOne adds the media player RealJukebox and the GoldPass subscription service, RealNetworks says.

RealOne will push the subscription service, which already has 400,000 customers. All users get free access to premium content for two weeks, after which a subscription in the United States will cost $19.95 for the first month and $9.95 for following months. International pricing is in the works, according to RealNetworks.

Users can still use RealOne as a media player only, without paying, RealNetworks says.

Tough Competition

RealNetworks is battling against Microsoft, which has also been building more features into its Windows Media Player. Recent data from Jupiter Media Metrix shows 10.7 million Internet users in the United States use Windows Media Player at work, compared to 10.2 million RealPlayer business users.

A preview version of the RealOne player is available now; the official version will be launched within 60 days. Over 150 content and technology partners, including ABCNews.com and forthcoming online music service MusicNet--co-founded by RealNetworks--have committed to RealOne, according to RealNetworks.

RealNetworks Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rob Glaser will unveil RealOne at the RealConference in Seattle on Monday. The conference will be held offline as well as online for those who can't, or choose not to, make the trip to the U.S. northwest in the wake of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C.

  • Recommend this story?
  • 0 Yes
    0 No
 

Featured APC Accessories

  • APC Back-UPS ES Safeguards your equipment from damaging surges and spikes that travel along your utility & data lines.
  • APC Smart-UPS Loaded with cutting-edge features, unique battery life predictor, unbeatable on-line efficiencies and software agents allowing remote UPS monitoring. Get 10% off your entire kart purchase!

People who read this also read:

  • 15 Minutes to a Secure Business Get the Secure in 15 toolkit starting with the "15 Minutes Month-at-a-Glance" calendar. McAfee will send you additional tools and tricks to stay protected around the clock.
  • A Buyer's Guide to Data Protection Implementing data protection products and processes can be daunting. Make the right decisions by exploring what is available and what makes sense for your organization. Use this simple guide to evaluate different vendor offerings.

Sponsored Links