RealNetworks, SanDisk deal
p2pnet.net News:- Yet another pair of companies believe they can sucker enough people into buying a portable music player able to play only locked-up music to make a handsome profit.
RealNetworks, with $761 million of Microsoft’s money in its virtual pocket, and SanDisk have come up with a a portable music player based on SanDisk’s e200 that, “more closely links with RealNetworks’ Rhapsody online music service,” says the Associated Press.
Ironically, Real uses Microsoft DRM (digital restrictions management) software for Rhapsody.
Under the deal, RealNetworks and SanDisk plan to release the Sansa Rhapsody, . The companies said they expected the gadget to be available in time for the holidays but would not discuss prices.
“The player will come preloaded with hundreds of songs as part of a free trial of RealNetworks’ Rhapsody To Go subscription service,” adds AP.
It won’t stay ‘free’ for long, and like all other subscription rental services, Rhapsody To Go means just that. The music goes, vanishing into the sunset, together with users’ carefully collected music libraries, as soon as they stop forking out, every month.
Also See:
Microsoft’s money – Associated Press – RealNetworks, SanDisk teaming up, September 18, 2006
Microsoft’s money – RealNetworks buys Zylom, September 18, 2006
