RealNetworks launches Rhapsody to Go Music Subscription Service

RealNetworks Incorporation is entering into direct competition with the recently launched Napster’s music subscription service with their Rhapsody To Go. The company has expanded their online store to subscription fee-paying customers. They now have access to around 1 million songs and allow users to listen to 25 songs free per month.

They are charging around USD 15 a month for this newly launched service and would allow the subscribers to download unlimited number of songs to their digital music player. However, the device support is currently very limited with few models of Digital Music Players supported. The company still hopes that the subscription model would lead to increase in revenues and lure more potential customers.

The cost of running the services are being taken care by Real’s business partner like Google and DaimlerChrysler’s Chrysler. The company is also thinking about offering its services wirelessly. Real Chief Executive Rob Glaser said in a statement: “We in active conversations with a number of cell-phone companies and providers.” However, no deals have been finalized yet.

Digital Music Services are currently dominated by the Macintosh makers Apple who are still the market leaders with their iPod and iTunes products.