RealNetworks and Sprint are to work together to compete with the iTunes phone that was unveiled by Apple earlier this month -- Rhapsody Radio. In order to compete the pair have moved one tiny step closer to the ultimate goal; music downloads over cellular networks. That's one problem with the Motorola ROKR phone for many people, it lacks the ability to download tracks over the air and still relies on a PC and music purchases over the Internet.
So how did RealNetworks and Sprint work together to compete with the iTunes phone? Firstly live music can be streamed over the air in a radio-type format to some subscribers. In some cases, subscribers wont need a new phone and will not need to have lots of storage capacity for music. The iTunes phone, launched by Cingular Wireless is limited to 100 tracks.
"The great thing about Streaming is that there's no memory requirement," said Kevin Nakao, RealNetworks' general manager of mobile services. "There's not a lot of handsets with memory out there. This is an easy and convenient way for customers to get and hear the music." The Rhapsody Radio service is similar to a service offered by RealNetworks to PC users, allowing them to listen to a selection of music channels. The mobile version will allow access to music channels, podcasts, music news and videos.
Source:
The Seattle Times
"The great thing about Streaming is that there's no memory requirement," said Kevin Nakao, RealNetworks' general manager of mobile services. "There's not a lot of handsets with memory out there. This is an easy and convenient way for customers to get and hear the music." The Rhapsody Radio service is similar to a service offered by RealNetworks to PC users, allowing them to listen to a selection of music channels. The mobile version will allow access to music channels, podcasts, music news and videos.
Source:
The Seattle Times
