HP drops iTunes, chooses Rhapsody
updated 10:55 am EST, Thu January 5, 2006
HP abandons iTunes
Hewlett-Packard today is expected to announce that it will to stop distributing HP-branded iPod music players. Rhapsody is now expected to be the default music-playing software on HP's new PCs and laptops. Beginning in the spring of 2006, HP customers will get a free 30-day trial subscription to RealNetworks' Rhapsody, according to a report from CNET. Additionally, RealNetworks may find further opportunity in the new deal to continue its drive into music services beyond PCs. The rocky relationship between Apple and Hewlett-Packard wore thin after Apple's own iPod overshadowed HP's special branded model. [updated]
"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.
HP steps on it again...
01/05, 11:15am reply
eom
iChick
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2001
Real's been busy...
01/05, 11:31am reply
They are getting HP to bundle, and it seems that Google is also going to be distributing RealPlayer ( http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060105-5902.html ).
Seems Real's been busy. Too bad they're installed base will still suck even after this.
Rincewind
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2000
AC - After Carly!
01/05, 12:02pm reply
This may be another example of what HP folk refer to as BC and AC, that is before and after "Carly", a childish policy of nixing and reversing the decisions of the previous administration if, for no other purpose, than to justify and validate their departure, just like the Whitehouse! Of course, that's not to say that she didn't deserve the HP footprint on her backside!
Feathers
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 1999
lol
01/05, 12:07pm reply
What a bunch of morons!
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???
jarod
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2005
well. good for Real
01/05, 12:09pm reply
Yes, they're second to Apple and they're forming some monster partnerships because they have too stay afloat, but if competition is a good thing, I'd like to see them succeed over MS.
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.
benhur
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Joined: Jan 2001
Napster
01/05, 12:13pm reply
Napster should be worried.
koolkid1976
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Joined: May 2003
What are they thinking??
01/05, 12:20pm reply
I just don't get it! When are the corporate big wigs going to realize that NOBODY wants a "subscription" music service?? Ugh! How many focus group reports do they need?? Why don't they just give up on this thing?? No one wants to RENT music, am I right?? Sheesh.
macbuddha06
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006
Installed base!?
01/05, 12:48pm reply
Doesn't every Mac have RealPlayer installed!?
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.
Clive
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2001
This is too rich...
01/05, 12:49pm reply
HP proving, once again, to be nothing but sheep, and as has been pointed out, the only reason for this decision is that it is the opposite of Carly Fiorina's... unfortnately, Carly will be having the last laugh.
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...
ZinkDifferent
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Joined: Jan 2005
ummm,
01/05, 01:00pm reply
no, you're not right macbuddha.
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.
benhur
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Joined: Jan 2001