RealNetworks Blasts Consumers into 2005 with Exciting New Developments for the
Award-Winning Rhapsody On-Demand Music Service and Number #1 Ranked RealArcade
Casual Gaming Service
Consumer Electronics Show 2005, LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/
-- RealNetworks(R), Inc. (Nasdaq: RNWK), the leading creator of digital media
services and software, is kicking off 2005 at the Consumer Electronics Show
(C.E.S. booth: #30337), delivering two powerful new advancements: three new
European distribution agreements for RealArcade(R), the company's leading
casual games service, and a new device partnership for the award-winning
Rhapsody(R) on-demand music service that will give customers the ability to
enjoy the service throughout their homes.
"It is truly gratifying to see our original vision of digital media as a
primary form of communication and distribution finally enter the consumer
mainstream market," said Rob Glaser, chairman and CEO, RealNetworks, Inc. "As
one of the innovators of this industry, we are pleased to provide online
consumers music, casual gaming, and video services. We are especially proud
to have our Rhapsody on-demand music and RealArcade casual gaming services win
critical and consumer acclaim."
Delivering on Real's vision to make Rhapsody the one service consumers can
use to build and manage a vast library of music accessible both on their PC
and through their high-fidelity home stereo and home theater systems, Real
today announced its ninth Rhapsody device partner -- Sonos, Inc. Sonos will
integrate and promote Rhapsody in its award-winning Sonos Digital Music
System, the first and only multi-zone digital music system with a wireless,
full-color LCD screen controller that lets consumers play all their digital
music, all over their home, and control it all from the palm of their hand.
The Sonos Digital Music System will give consumers the flexibility to enjoy
multiple Rhapsody streams in different areas of the home. Many of the
industry's leading home networking and consumer electronics companies,
including D-Link, GoVideo, Linksys, NETGEAR, Pinnacle Systems, PRISMIQ,
Rockford Fosgate and SMC Networks, have also introduced 'Rhapsody Ready'
digital audio components.
"We are delighted to offer our customers the ultimate Internet jukebox
with access to the Rhapsody music service," said John MacFarlane, CEO, Sonos,
Inc. "The flexibility and ease-of-use of the Sonos Digital Music System
complements the service Rhapsody provides -- the ability to instantly access a
library of more than 65,000 CDs virtually anytime the consumer wants,
throughout their entire home, putting the ultimate music collection right in
the palm of their hand."
The Sonos Digital Music System and other 'Rhapsody Ready' devices from
Real's partners will be on display along with a demonstration of tightly
integrated portability for the Rhapsody on-demand music service on several
portable music players in the Real booth during C.E.S.
Additionally, Real announced this week the European expansion of its
casual games business through partnerships with two of Europe's largest
portals, RTL.de in Germany, Free in France and an ongoing partnership with
Telewest, the fastest ISP in the UK. RealArcade, the leading downloadable
games service and the fastest growing category of PC games, provides consumers
over 250 games to choose from, including hit titles such as Feeding Frenzy,
Scrabble Download Edition, Super Collapse! II, and Zuma Deluxe, as well as
over 80 Web-based games. These latest distribution agreements reinforce the
unique advantages of RealArcade as the preferred casual games provider for
partners looking for breadth and top-quality popular consumer games.
To celebrate Real's additional rich content distribution partnerships and
the steadfast popularity of its leading entertainment subscription services,
the company will host 'The Real Party at CES', with special headline act Smash
Mouth on Thursday evening, January 6th at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay
Casino and Hotel.
To ensure that every CES attendee can take part in the exciting
celebration of Real's leading entertainment subscription services, the
epicenter of the Las Vegas Convention Center during C.E.S. 2005 will be Real's
booth (South Hall #30337) where, back by popular demand, celebrity John Curley
will host the company's fast-paced and hilarious 'Real Music Challenge.'
About RealNetworks, Inc.
RealNetworks, Inc. is the leading creator of digital media services and
software including the award-winning Rhapsody Internet jukebox service and
RealPlayer(R) 10, the first digital media player to integrate finding,
organizing, buying, playing and managing digital audio and video in a single
product. Consumers can access and experience audio/video programming and
download RealNetworks' consumer software at http://www.real.com .
Broadcasters, network operators, media companies and enterprises use
RealNetworks' products and services to create and deliver digital media to
PCs, mobile phones and consumer electronics devices. RealNetworks' systems and
corporate information is located at http://www.realnetworks.com .
NOTE: RealNetworks, Rhapsody, RealArcade and RealPlayer are trademarks or
registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. All other companies or products
listed herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.
SOURCE RealNetworks, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.realnetworks.com
CONTACT:
Lisa Strong, +1-206-892-6585, or
lstrong@real.com, or Maureen Farley, +1-206-351-4242, or
mfarley@real.com, both of RealNetworks
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