01/05/2006, 10:55am, EST
Thursday, January 5th
HP drops iTunes, chooses Rhapsody
"HP is committed to bringing consumers the best PC entertainment experience," HP general manager Bob Lund stated. The computer maker wished to provide "easy access to a leading subscription music experience."
Sheeran said RealNetworks was especially attracted to HP after looking at the company's plans for home entertainment devices, despite the fact that the current deal only extends to HP's consumer laptops and PCs, according to the report.
"When we look at HP's consumer product lineup, we get very excited," Sheeran said. "We view that as a great potential opportunity for Rhapsody to flow into other devices."
The first step toward in that direction will probably be to develop a remote-control function that could be used with versions of Rhapsody running on HP's TV-connected Windows Media Center Edition PCs, Sheeran said.
RealNetworks is also expected to announce a separate distribution deal with the Cox Communications cable company, which will allow Rhapsody's monthly fee to be included on a customer's cable bill for the first time. Sheeran noted that the new deal could make retaining subscribers easier.
Filed under: industry
Other story tags: digital music/video
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Seems Real's been busy. Too bad they're installed base will still suck even after this.
They're using the same announcement/marketing lines they used for itunes but for this now. I guess the only thing they're good for is copy/paste.
Why, why WHY is the PC market so DUMB???
I'm also in favor of a subscription model (don't be hating) in ADDITION to a pay per download. They can coexist just fine. At least Real’s Rhapsody works with Apple. They just announced a partnership with Cox Cable so I’m anxious to see how well they implement the service.
Maybe this is the year Apple changes it's mind about it's DRM and opening up the iPod. Yeah, I didn't think so either.
Renting music: well, I don’t want to rent it, but then I don’t want to download it either - CDs work fine for me.
Despite the upbeat press spoutings, this will make nary a difference for Real, and if anything, will negatively impact HP. Of course, watch 'analysts' claim how this is the nail in iTunes' coffin, and how hp and Real are bound to explode with profits (sure sign for the opposite).
Why, of why is the PC industry so stupid?
a) be glad. b) well, the incompetent folks had to end up somewhere...
Besides, since when does Apple listen to focus groups? If Apple did, we wouldn't have most of the cool stuff they come out with.
I think the only opinion that counts at Apple is Job's anyway. Apple will eventually offer both to be competitive, which is just fine by me. Those who want to purchase can still purchase and those who want to subscribe can subscribe.
HP's move doesn't make much sense but it's a good one for Real.