RealNetworks Launches Download Store, Updates Media Player Software

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on January 7, 2004 - 4:09am.

Las Vegas -- RealNetworks, a provider of streaming media delivery technology, announced on Wednesday the launch of a digital music download store, which will sell tracks for $0.99 from a library expected to offer 400,000 tracks by the end of the month. The company also launched RealPlayer 10, the latest version of its audio and video media player software. For a limited time, those who download the new software can purchase their first song download from the store for $0.10. The download store will offer songs in Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) format, like Apple's iTunes store, but currently only allows transfer to portable devices including the Creative Zen Xtra as well as seven models of PalmOne devices. RealPlayer 10, however, offers support for most media formats as well as 50 devices, including Apple's iPod and models from Creative Labs, Nokia, Sonicblue/Rio, Sony and Panasonic. Seattle-based RealNetworks also said that it has signed a seven-year agreement to serve as the digital music service partner for Rolling Stone, and has taken over operations of RollingStone.com.
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