Real Strengthens SuperPass Third-Party Offerings

RealNetworks said Thursday that subscribers to its SuperPass service would receive additional benefits through its "Broadband Essentials" third-party software service. Being added are tune-up applications and a parental controls service.

The company quietly began offering the option in May as a way to entice consumers to sign up for its subscription-based multimedia services.

This is in addition to several security programs already included in the package from McAfee. It also included a home networking application called Network Magic, produced by Pure Networks, photo and video backup from FotoTime, as well as the standard SuperPass features.

Specifically, the new programs are ContentWatch's ContentProtect and System Mechanic 6. Of the new security functionality, Real's senior vice president of Media Software and Services Harold Zeitz said that it is important for parents to have piece of mind when their children are using their computers.

"Combined with market leading products that keep computers in tip top shape, our security bundle helps people enjoy the things that make the Web worthwhile," he said.

While consumers can obtain the Broadband Essentials package on its own for USD $12.99 per month, for $2 more the SuperPass subscription can be added. All software provided through the service is the full, unrestricted version.