Apple and RealNetworks Alliance?

MacBytes · Apr 15, 2004, 09:40 AM

Category: News and Press Releases
Link: RealNetworks Seeks Musical Alliance With Apple
Posted on MacBytes.com

Approved by Mudbug

irmongoose · Apr 15, 2004, 10:11 AM

Ha ha! This RealNetworks guy is like a modern enterprise version of Commodore Perry!

"Yes, we come on friendly terms, and we want to have a good relationship with you. Why are you so afraid of opening up? You have something we want, and we can give you something you need. But beware, if you don't agree with us, we will be forced to take up violent means to resolve the matter."

I give this guy a thumbs down. Who the hell does he think he is? Threatening Apple is not how you do business with Steve. Even I know that! Stupid guy...

irmongoose

MacRumors · Apr 15, 2004, 10:33 AM

The New York Times reports on efforts by RealNetworks to partner with Apple.

According to the newspaper, an offer was made from RealNetwork's Rob Glaser to Steve Jobs to consider licensing Fairplay -- Apple's Digital Rights Management system -- to RealNetworks to allow compatibility of RealNetwork's music store with the Apple iPod. In exchange, RealNetworks would reportedly make the iPod the primary MP3 player for their music service.

Glaser is reportedly meeting with Apple this week, and is considering WMA as their other alternative if Apple does not accept the offer.

agreenster · Apr 15, 2004, 10:36 AM

This is pretty suprising news. I guess it just proves that Apple is THE powerhouse to contend with in the MP3/online music store market.

gandalf55 · Apr 15, 2004, 10:37 AM

wow. Real mustbe hurting bad. and ya - this would be bad for M$. I don't care about M$ though - I always want whats best for us and for Apple.

Ling · Apr 15, 2004, 10:39 AM

Would Real be using AAC for their audio too, then? Or just the DRM system on top of the RealAudio format?

Niknar · Apr 15, 2004, 10:40 AM

If this happens this sounds like it would be great for Apple. I hope it works

onemoof · Apr 15, 2004, 10:40 AM

I think it would be a very good idea for Apple to open up its FairPlay technology. Clearly they would have a huge advantage if companies start jumping to Apple's format and Apple controls the entire music encryption industry. It would boost iPod sales, QuickTime distribution, and would strongly weaken Windows Media. Apple would be stupid not to aggressively seek to license its technology.

Trimix · Apr 15, 2004, 10:41 AM

on one hand i would like apple to tell him to f... off (which steve in his wisdom surely will do) on the other hand i see a huge potential and am afraid of isolationism. has happened to the mac before, don't want it to happen to the whole music story here too. so yeah, take him up on it steve, your enemy's enemy should be your friend

onemoof · Apr 15, 2004, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ling

Would Real be using AAC for their audio too, then? Or just the DRM system on top of the RealAudio format?

The article says Real currently uses/plans to use AAC for their music store.

gekko513 · Apr 15, 2004, 10:42 AM

I think Apple should take the offer. Oh, and I own 8 Apple stocks so they'd better listen to my advice

Nny · Apr 15, 2004, 10:43 AM

Read this on CNet's News.com earlier today.... letter reads more like a threat than an "offer." Maybe they wanted to send Jobs an "offer he couldn't refuse."

from article: "But if an alliance with Apple could not be struck, Glaser strongly hinted in the e-mail message that he might be forced to form a partnership with Microsoft to pursue "very interesting opportunities" because support for Microsoft's media-playing software seems to be growing."

arn · Apr 15, 2004, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nny

Read this on CNet's News.com earlier today.... letter reads more like a threat than an "offer." Maybe they wanted to send Jobs an "offer he couldn't refuse."

from article: "But if an alliance with Apple could not be struck, Glaser strongly hinted in the e-mail message that he might be forced to form a partnership with Microsoft to pursue "very interesting opportunities" because support for Microsoft's media-playing software seems to be growing."

either way, if Apple's goal is to sell as many ipods as it can... seems this would help.

arn

sparky76 · Apr 15, 2004, 10:48 AM

The article seems to think Apple will say no. If it is true that the iTMS is only there to sell iPods, this makes no sense. But, if Apple think they can make real money from the iTMS long term (by becoming the de facto standard and then squeezing a better deal from the record companies) then freezing out Real would seem to be the right thing to do.

Apple should be careful not to freeze out a company who could help them sell iPods. If they do turn down Real's offer, we should ask the real (no pun intended) reason - long term music download sales?

IndyGopher · Apr 15, 2004, 10:50 AM

Try as I might, all I can see in this is a desperate plea from Real to get Apple to save them... if Real partners with Microsoft, Real will just disappear... And Glaser, being an ex-Microsoft person has to know this.
That being said, I would be happy to see Real and Apple play nice together.. they can start by switching to Quicktime.. or at least allowing Quicktime to play Real streams. That clotted chunk of afterbirth that they try to pass off as Real Player for the Mac is an embarrassment.

uv23 · Apr 15, 2004, 10:53 AM

I would much rather see Real crash and burn, fading into oblivion, than I would see them partnering with Apple. I hated them when I used a PC and I still hate them now.

onemoof · 01:50 PM

Real says it will use AAC with FairPlay DRM

Real says it will promote the iPod as the default standard music player.

This is a VERY good deal for Apple if they want to promote iPods and their own technology. They may lose a few music sales but those are not profitable anyway so who cares, they might get more iPod sales as a result.

Oh and if you own less than a few million shares of Apple's stock they won't care about you.

PlaceofDis · Apr 15, 2004, 10:58 AM

ill be disappointed in apple if they dont take Real up on this offer, why? because then the Fairplay AAC standard is going to become isolated to iTunes only and the iPod, and in turn all that this will do is cause apple to lose money in the long run. By licensing the Fairplay AAC to Real, apple has a chance to sell more iPods (since its currently the only player that can play protected AAC) and apple also gets to take a step ahead with their music format against wma which just sux.....

Longey Nowze · Apr 15, 2004, 10:59 AM

I don't think it's a bad idea, if Real's music store only worked with the iPod, and Real paid a royalty for every song sold, then this would be good for apple, wouldn't it?

I do think however, that Real is desperate and they want to work with Apple, they threat to go with M$ just shows how desperate they are, not long ago they were attacking M$.

dukemeiser · Apr 15, 2004, 11:05 AM

It's win-win for Apple. They get royalties on FairPlay, and they sell more iPods. And they kick M$ between the legs.

dukemeiser · Apr 15, 2004, 11:06 AM

Guess we'll see if Apple is true to it's word. If iTMS really doesn't make any money, and is just for selling iPods, then Apple should take this deal hands down.

Shirky · Apr 15, 2004, 11:06 AM

This is what happens when you try and compete with the "Microsoft of Music Stores" ...

Steven1621 · Apr 15, 2004, 11:08 AM

wasn't that glaser fellow the guy who said apple's dominance of online music was coming to an end?

jbembe · Apr 15, 2004, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IndyGopher

Try as I might, all I can see in this is a desperate plea from Real to get Apple to save them... if Real partners with Microsoft, Real will just disappear... And Glaser, being an ex-Microsoft person has to know this.
That being said, I would be happy to see Real and Apple play nice together.. they can start by switching to Quicktime.. or at least allowing Quicktime to play Real streams. That clotted chunk of afterbirth that they try to pass off as Real Player for the Mac is an embarrassment.

I simply ignore any and every site that requires realplayer - I refuse to even have the program on my machine.

BornAgainMac · Apr 15, 2004, 11:12 AM

Also I think Real should use FairPlay and promote iPods.

They can promote video streaming content on quicktime as part of the deal and drop their video format. Apple should also get Quicktime support for Linux. Perhaps Real can still offer a front-end player for the Quicktime format so they can still do that spyware stuff, perhaps offer full screen support for users that don't want to buy Quicktime pro.

Apr 15, 2004, 09:40 AM	#1
MacBytes macrumors bot Join Date: Jul 2003	RealNetworks Seeks Musical Alliance With Apple Category: News and Press Releases Link: RealNetworks Seeks Musical Alliance With Apple Posted on MacBytes.com Approved by Mudbug

Apr 15, 2004, 10:11 AM	#2
irmongoose macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Sometimes Tokyo, sometimes California	Ha ha! This RealNetworks guy is like a modern enterprise version of Commodore Perry! "Yes, we come on friendly terms, and we want to have a good relationship with you. Why are you so afraid of opening up? You have something we want, and we can give you something you need. But beware, if you don't agree with us, we will be forced to take up violent means to resolve the matter." I give this guy a thumbs down. Who the hell does he think he is? Threatening Apple is not how you do business with Steve. Even I know that! Stupid guy... irmongoose __________________ A Film and Artwork Portfolio

Apr 15, 2004, 10:33 AM	#3
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	Apple and RealNetworks Alliance? The New York Times reports on efforts by RealNetworks to partner with Apple. According to the newspaper, an offer was made from RealNetwork's Rob Glaser to Steve Jobs to consider licensing Fairplay -- Apple's Digital Rights Management system -- to RealNetworks to allow compatibility of RealNetwork's music store with the Apple iPod. In exchange, RealNetworks would reportedly make the iPod the primary MP3 player for their music service. Glaser is reportedly meeting with Apple this week, and is considering WMA as their other alternative if Apple does not accept the offer.

Apr 15, 2004, 10:36 AM	#4
agreenster macrumors 68000 Join Date: Dec 2001	This is pretty suprising news. I guess it just proves that Apple is THE powerhouse to contend with in the MP3/online music store market. __________________ www.willanimateforfood.net

Apr 15, 2004, 10:39 AM	#6
Ling macrumors member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Oberlin, OH	Would Real be using AAC for their audio too, then? Or just the DRM system on top of the RealAudio format? __________________ -Ling "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate..."

Apr 15, 2004, 10:37 AM	#5
gandalf55 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: boston	wow. Real mustbe hurting bad. and ya - this would be bad for M$. I don't care about M$ though - I always want whats best for us and for Apple.

Apr 15, 2004, 10:40 AM	#7
Niknar macrumors member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Scotland	If this happens this sounds like it would be great for Apple. I hope it works

Apr 15, 2004, 10:40 AM	#8
onemoof macrumors member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA	open up I think it would be a very good idea for Apple to open up its FairPlay technology. Clearly they would have a huge advantage if companies start jumping to Apple's format and Apple controls the entire music encryption industry. It would boost iPod sales, QuickTime distribution, and would strongly weaken Windows Media. Apple would be stupid not to aggressively seek to license its technology. __________________ I'm the inventor of the Rubbermaid Mac: http://www.tc.umn.edu/~lang0502/RubbermaidMac.jpg

Apr 15, 2004, 10:41 AM	#9
Trimix macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Switzerland	on one hand i would like apple to tell him to f... off (which steve in his wisdom surely will do) on the other hand i see a huge potential and am afraid of isolationism. has happened to the mac before, don't want it to happen to the whole music story here too. so yeah, take him up on it steve, your enemy's enemy should be your friend

Apr 15, 2004, 10:42 AM	#11
gekko513 macrumors 601 Join Date: Oct 2003	I think Apple should take the offer. Oh, and I own 8 Apple stocks so they'd better listen to my advice

Apr 15, 2004, 10:43 AM	#12
Nny macrumors regular Join Date: Apr 2004	Read this on CNet's News.com earlier today.... letter reads more like a threat than an "offer." Maybe they wanted to send Jobs an "offer he couldn't refuse." from article: "But if an alliance with Apple could not be struck, Glaser strongly hinted in the e-mail message that he might be forced to form a partnership with Microsoft to pursue "very interesting opportunities" because support for Microsoft's media-playing software seems to be growing."

Apr 15, 2004, 10:48 AM	#14
sparky76 macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2003	The article seems to think Apple will say no. If it is true that the iTMS is only there to sell iPods, this makes no sense. But, if Apple think they can make real money from the iTMS long term (by becoming the de facto standard and then squeezing a better deal from the record companies) then freezing out Real would seem to be the right thing to do. Apple should be careful not to freeze out a company who could help them sell iPods. If they do turn down Real's offer, we should ask the real (no pun intended) reason - long term music download sales? __________________ sparky76

Apr 15, 2004, 10:50 AM	#15
IndyGopher macrumors 6502a Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Indianapolis, IN	Try as I might, all I can see in this is a desperate plea from Real to get Apple to save them... if Real partners with Microsoft, Real will just disappear... And Glaser, being an ex-Microsoft person has to know this. That being said, I would be happy to see Real and Apple play nice together.. they can start by switching to Quicktime.. or at least allowing Quicktime to play Real streams. That clotted chunk of afterbirth that they try to pass off as Real Player for the Mac is an embarrassment.

Apr 15, 2004, 10:53 AM	#16
uv23 macrumors 6502 Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Calgary, AB	I would much rather see Real crash and burn, fading into oblivion, than I would see them partnering with Apple. I hated them when I used a PC and I still hate them now. __________________ I believe the next Powerbook revision will include a ramped up G3 with AltiVec, but I'm not betting any testicles on it. --greenstork

Apr 15, 2004, 10:55 AM	#17
onemoof macrumors member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA	Other comments Real says it will use AAC with FairPlay DRM Real says it will promote the iPod as the default standard music player. This is a VERY good deal for Apple if they want to promote iPods and their own technology. They may lose a few music sales but those are not profitable anyway so who cares, they might get more iPod sales as a result. Oh and if you own less than a few million shares of Apple's stock they won't care about you. __________________ I'm the inventor of the Rubbermaid Mac: http://www.tc.umn.edu/~lang0502/RubbermaidMac.jpg Last edited by onemoof : Apr 15, 2004 at 01:50 PM. Reason: increase optimism

Apr 15, 2004, 10:58 AM	#18
PlaceofDis macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Chicago.	ill be disappointed in apple if they dont take Real up on this offer, why? because then the Fairplay AAC standard is going to become isolated to iTunes only and the iPod, and in turn all that this will do is cause apple to lose money in the long run. By licensing the Fairplay AAC to Real, apple has a chance to sell more iPods (since its currently the only player that can play protected AAC) and apple also gets to take a step ahead with their music format against wma which just sux..... __________________ dim my eyes on the waves of confessions... SpringWarmCold

Apr 15, 2004, 10:59 AM	#19
Longey Nowze macrumors regular Join Date: Apr 2001	I don't think it's a bad idea, if Real's music store only worked with the iPod, and Real paid a royalty for every song sold, then this would be good for apple, wouldn't it? I do think however, that Real is desperate and they want to work with Apple, they threat to go with M$ just shows how desperate they are, not long ago they were attacking M$.

Apr 15, 2004, 11:05 AM	#20
dukemeiser macrumors 6502a Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Iowa	It's win-win for Apple. They get royalties on FairPlay, and they sell more iPods. And they kick M$ between the legs.

Apr 15, 2004, 11:06 AM	#21
dukemeiser macrumors 6502a Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Iowa	Guess we'll see if Apple is true to it's word. If iTMS really doesn't make any money, and is just for selling iPods, then Apple should take this deal hands down.

Apr 15, 2004, 11:06 AM	#22
Shirky macrumors newbie Join Date: Mar 2004	"The Microsoft of Music Stores" This is what happens when you try and compete with the "Microsoft of Music Stores" ...

Apr 15, 2004, 11:08 AM	#23
Steven1621 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Connecticut (Ankara, Turkey for the next year)	wasn't that glaser fellow the guy who said apple's dominance of online music was coming to an end? __________________ -15" MacBook Pro, 2.4 GHz, 200 GB HD, 4 GB RAM -Dell 20" 2005FPW -16 GB iPod Touch -Nikon D40 w/ Nikkor 18-200mm VR

Apr 15, 2004, 11:12 AM	#25
BornAgainMac macrumors 68030 Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Florida Resident	Yes Also I think Real should use FairPlay and promote iPods. They can promote video streaming content on quicktime as part of the deal and drop their video format. Apple should also get Quicktime support for Linux. Perhaps Real can still offer a front-end player for the Quicktime format so they can still do that spyware stuff, perhaps offer full screen support for users that don't want to buy Quicktime pro.

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