RealNetworks Enhances Users’ Media Experience on Netbooks

On June 2, 2009 a new licensing agreement has been announced, having as partners RealNetworks and key Operating System Vendors (OSVs) Canonical, Xandros, Phoenix Technologies and DeviceVM. The agreement allows the OSVs to integrate RealPlayer in Mobile Devices for use in Linux OSes, Instant-On OSes and Windows-based netbooks. The version of RealPlayer offered on mobile devices is optimized in comparison to the traditional bits, the company has revealed.

The version designed for mobile devices is integrated, installed and supported-for Canonical's Ubuntu for Netbooks and PCs. Using the advantages that this agreement offers them, the licensees and the content providers will have to develop an infrastructure designed for content delivery across all hardware types: Windows-based computers, Macs, mobile phones, netbooks and additional devices. Also, an important point for them is that, RealNetworks has collaborated closely with chipset producers to tailor the software to both ARM-based and Intel Atom processors.

Chris Kenyon, director of OEM Services at Canonical, said, "It is important for Canonical's OEM customers to have access to a solution from an organization that has a long history in media delivery and understands the challenges and opportunities." He also mentioned that, "RealNetworks' RealPlayer was an obvious choice for us because it provides our customers with one complete media solution for all platforms and our users will appreciate the media experience it delivers on their Ubuntu Netbook, notebook or desktop."

The new partnership with Xandros, Phoenix and DeviceVM offers users the possibility to enjoy RealPlayer for Mobile Devices in the new pre-loaded, 'Instant-On' operating systems for Windows-based netbooks and personal computers, including Xandros's Presto, Phoenix Technologies' HyperSpace, and Device VM's Splashtop.

"RealPlayer is a key component of both our Presto 'instant on' utility and our mobile Netbook solutions," said Andreas Typaldos, CEO of Xandros. "RealPlayer enables Presto to give Windows users rich multimedia access within seconds, and audio and video playback is at the core of our Netbook experience."