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Roundup: Apple’s iPod vs. RealNetworks. Is It Over?

Roundup Apple’s iPod, iTunes, and iTunes Music Store (iTMS) claim about 70-percent of the online music scene. RealNetworks is one of many competitors that want a bigger share of the music market. Recent tactics appear to have left the company’s public relations efforts in shambles. The online petition to Apple failed miserably. Why?

Perhaps it was arrogance on the part of RealNetworks’ CEO Rob Glaser. Maybe it was outright desperation. It could be that Apple is really on to something and the trio of iPod, iTunes, iTMS has struck a sounding chord with Windows legions as well as the Mac faithful.

Apple has cleverly created a product and service that “feel just right” for everyone who tries it; Mac or Windows. In fact, it feels so good for most users that even considering other products becomes shameful.

Is it over yet?

You’d think so following the latest RealNetworks’ brouhaha.

First, CEO Glaser appeals to Apple’s CEO, Steve Jobs, to open up the iPod and let Real sell music to iPod users. Apple ignores the request, then cuts a deal with Motorola to deliver iTunes Music Store and iTunes music direct to future generations of Motorola cell phones. Apple’s digital rights management system, called FairPlay, is officially “open.”

But not to RealNetworks.

Next, Real creates and launches software called Harmony which is designed to allow music sold by Real’s Music Store to be played on Apple’s iPod, circumventing Apple’s DRM. Apple screams “foul.”

But no one buys much music from Real’s Music Store anyway.

Finally, Real Networks announces a string of PR designed to embarrass Apple. Look at the list:

1 - 49-cent singles from Real’s Music Store
2 - $4.99 albums from Real’s Music Store
3 - An online petition; ”Apple, Don’t Break My iPod!
4 - An online weblog called Freedom of Music Choice

That was more than a salvo across the bow of Apple’s good ship Music. It was a series of firepower laden torpedos designed to damage Apple’s relationship with the customers, millions, who’ve purchased iPods and songs from iTMS.

The effects of #1 and #2 remain to be seen. RealNetworks’ Music Store is now officially losing a bunch of money on every song and album it sells in the hopes that Apple’s iPod customers will get upset at Apple because Apple won’t open iPod technology (FairPlay) and license it to Real.

The online weblog, #4 above, was roundly criticized by everyone as a blatant attempt to play on the emotions of iPod users. It failed miserably as iPod customers (Mac and Windows) united and deluged RealNetworks with negative email and weblog articles.

The online petition, #3 above, was more fun. Instead of collecting thousands of online signatures and comments from supposedly disgruntled iPod users, the site ended up collecting hundreds and hundreds of “signatures” and comments from Apple’s faithful Mac users, and satisfied iPod users.

Some of the comments must be recorded for posterity; and the sore posterior felt by all those working at RealNetworks after being roundly thumped throughout the Internet. For example:

JoJo the Clown summed up the situation:

“Real is a dying company and will sell out their own mother to be part of a winning team. Don’t believe the hype people… Real is NOT being altruistic here… they smell the money and it’s YOURS. They also smell the slow dying stench of a company grasping at straws. iTunes is STILL the BEST player out there and you do have choice with it. MP3, AAC, convert WMA to AAC, and more ... go Apple”

Steve (probably not Apple’s Steve; but maybe) had this to say:

“Real, I’m sorry to say this (well not actually), but your software has always been mediocre. Never in my life have I seen such useless bloatware. Even with Harmony, I still won’t buy into your ‘freedom’ crap. I will choose what works best for me, is most elegant, and what makes most sense, and those are the options that come with Apple products. Stop trying to hide your efforts of getting in on the market with this whole public outcry movement and instead, innovate.”

What’s really fun about these is how creative the writers are, how insightful their understanding of the marketplace strategy by Real, and how well they’re written.

Apple Avenger summed it up:

“Show some originality, Real. Create something worth buying.”

The ever present Anonymous Coward echoed what many iPod users felt:

“Why the hell would we want to use something else than the iTunes/iTMS/iPod combo? Especially something from Real Networks? And that works only on the Windows platform? And YOU have the guts and tell me you’re giving me freedom of choice? Lol, just close the shop already. We’ve seen you (and your crappy software) for way too long.”

Windows iPod users are now demonstrating characteristics of the Mac user, which says Apple has done the same thing to Windows customers that Mac users have known for years. Build something good, people will like it. Build something bad, and people call it Windows; or, RealNetworks.

Bender’s comments sum up Windows users:

“ don’t own a mac, I don’t own an iPod, I run Windows, I prefer iTunes, I have HATED all real softwre for years, anytime I see a link to a real video I dont even feel disapointed; “It cant be that good, they use real!” BOYCOTT REAL BOYCOTT REAL BOYCOTT REAL - If you have ever paid real for anything you have been ripped off.”

These go on forever and ever. For awhile, RealNetworks had a link to the Petition Site but then pulled it from their own web site.

I wonder why?

The folks at Mac360 have a few domains for sale. If you've ever dreamed of setting up and running your own site about Apple, the Mac, iPods or the iPhone, this is a great way to get started. Click here for the basic details, and click AppleScene, iPhoneKillerTips, or ChatterMac for a more complete list.

   • Article by Alexis Kayhill • Published on Wednesday, August 18, 2004
   • Category: Rumor Roundup • 0 Reader comment(s) • Email This • Digg This • Shop Now
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