Slim Devices and RealNetworks today announced the integration of the Rhapsody online music service with the current generation of Squeezebox devices, further strengthening competition in the digital music sector led by Apple's iPod/iTunes ecosystem. The Squeezebox ($250-300, shown at right) enables consumers to access more than 2 million tracks available from Rhapsody's service, as well as personal digital music collections. Squeezebox owners will be offered a free firmware upgrade as a digital download, allowing them to try the Rhapsody online music service beyond the month-long trial for $14.95 per month. Competitors have been trying to penetrate Apple's domination of the digital music realm, thus far meeting with little success.

Squeezebox

Squeezebox is designed to deliver digital sound throughout the home without the hassle of shuffling through CDs. With a simple remote control, Squeezebox works with nearly any home stereo to provide instant access to digital music collections on home computers, Rhapsody's robust music catalog, a broad selection of internet radio stations, and thousands of themed playlists. Squeezebox is available in black or white with wireless ($300) or wired ($250) connectivity.