Real embraces Apple’s iPod with new Rhapsody MP3 service
RealNetworks said Monday it’s switching gears in its quest for a larger slice of the legal music download market with the launch a DRM-free a la carte MP3 store that will cater to iPod owners directly rather than through unauthorized hacks of the past.
This move represents a new direction for this Seattle based firm. This online music company has been built around subscription based services. This offers subscribers temporary access to an unlimited number of copy-protected songs each month for a set price.
Although Real had also previously offered a Rhapsody “To Go” service that made it so you could purchase songs and albums outright. But it came wrapped in proprietary software that made them incompatible with Apple’s industry leading iPod player
Real said songs purchased from its new Rhapsody MP3 service can be played on virtually any MP3 player including the iPod and iPhone. Like iTunes shoppers will get a free 30 second sample second. After you purchase the track it can be funneled into wither Rhapsody, Real Player, or iTunes.
The service currently serves up more then 5 million songs from the four major music labels. Universal Music Group, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and EMI, also several independent companies. THe prices go inline with Apples, .99 cents per a song or 9.99 for a album.
Labels have complained about Apples unwillingness to allow flexible pricing on iTunes. As well as its unwavering approach to album sales, which mandates that customers be able to purchase individual songs from each and every album on the service rather than be forced into full album sales for particular work
The company said it anticipates spending more than $50 million in the next year, including more than $15 million in the third quarter alone. As part of the campaign, it is giving away a free album to the first 100,000 people (US only) who sign up for the new MP3 store by July 4th.
