Tuesday, August 17, 2004
RealNetworks Launches Price War With Apple, Touts iPod Compatibility
Posted by Kent Pribbernow in "NEWS" @ 06:39 AM
"RealNetworks will kick off a high-profile digital music marketing campaign Tuesday, highlighting the new iPod-compatible technology that has swung the company into conflict with Apple Computer. For a limited time, RealNetworks will offer song downloads from its music store for 49 cents, along with half-price albums. A nationwide print, radio and Web marketing campaign will promote the offer, along with a Web site touting "freedom of choice" for online music consumers."
I'll give Real credit for having chutzpah. They are aggressively targeting Apple's music store and have taken a sledgehammer to the iPod's copy protection technology. But will these efforts pay off, or will Apple have the last laugh?
Personally, I think this will backfire on Real. As an iPod user, I would not feel comfortable purchasing any track from Real's music store, knowing that I may only be able to play the song for a limited time...until Apple takes measures to lock such sounds out.
What do you think?
I'll give Real credit for having chutzpah. They are aggressively targeting Apple's music store and have taken a sledgehammer to the iPod's copy protection technology. But will these efforts pay off, or will Apple have the last laugh?
Personally, I think this will backfire on Real. As an iPod user, I would not feel comfortable purchasing any track from Real's music store, knowing that I may only be able to play the song for a limited time...until Apple takes measures to lock such sounds out.
What do you think?
