RealNetworks Updates RealOne Player

RealNetworks on Tuesday released the second iteration of its RealOne Player, which originally debuted last year as a revamped combination of the company's RealPlayer and RealJukebox applications. RealOne Player 2.0 adds support for numerous formats including Windows Media and QuickTime MPEG-4, prompting RealNetworks to brand the update as "the world's first universal media player."

"Today’s announcement truly changes the rules of digital media for both consumers and the industry. With only one player, consumers can now get all the media they want just click and it plays," said RealNetworks CEO, Rob Glaser in Tuesday's announcement.

But to take advantage of such multi-format playback, users must purchase a premium version of RealOne Player. The free edition offers DVD support, full-speed CD burning and TurboPlay - technology that provides near-instant playback of digital media and live content, according to RealNetworks. For a one-time fee of $19.95, users can upgrade to RealOne Player Plus, which adds the ability to play over 50 additional media formats, advanced CD burning options, a toolbar playback mode and other enhancements.

AOL's Nullsoft unit considered a similar move last March for Winamp3, but made no announcements when the media player was officially released earlier this month. Instead of charging for format support, Nullsoft mulled including DVD playback and CD burning for an added fee - features that RealNetworks has included in its free player. Winamp3 however, includes support for Windows Media and other media formats such as OGG right out of the box.

The beta release of RealOne Player 2.0 preempts Microsoft's upcoming beta release of Windows Media Player 9 Series, which will also feature DVD playback, CD burning and instant-on stream support with Microsoft's new audio and video codecs.

RealOne Player 2.0 is available as a free download via FileForum. To purchase RealOne Player Plus or for more information on the update, visit real.com.