RealNetworks clambers on to the desktop

 

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Posted on 12 Dec 2001 at 13:28

RealNetworks has reached an agreement with Compaq to make the RealOne Player the default media player on its Presario consumer brand.

The multiyear deal involves both laptop and desktop Presarios, with icons on the desktop and a dedicated hot key on Compaq's Internet Keyboard that links to a co-branded Compaq and RealOne Web site.

Compaq will offer both new and existing customers subscriptions to RealNetworks' services, such as RealOne Membership and RealOne music, boasting premium content from the likes of CNN, FOX Sports and music from BMG, Warner and others.

Compaq is the world's number two PC manufacturer and this move can be seen as one of the first direct results of Microsoft's decision back in July, to allow vendors to add icons to the desktop.

It's also a boost for RealNetworks in that, as the default player in the AOL service, it lost out when AOL and Microsoft's spat resulted in AOL being removed from XP. In fact the main reason behind the split was cited as Microsoft's insistence that RealPlayer be disabled.

Who knows what sort of deal was struck behind the scenes between Compaq and Microsoft to allow Real back on to the desktop. Watch this space.

Author: Matt Whipp