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Real Betas Newsreader, Screensaver

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

September 25, 2006, 5:12 PM

Attempting to work its way back onto the desktops of computer users, RealNetworks announced a new beta that would allow the user to view news and information directly on their desktop. Called RealTime, the service is comprised of three programs: a toolbar for use with Internet Explorer, an newsreader automatically filled with information based on user preferences, and a screensaver that would display headlines and images during inactivity.

Currently, the product includes content from the AP, Reuters, The Weather Channel, and AOL's Engadget. Real plans additional functionality for future betas, including sports scores and other content. RealTime utilizes RSS feeds to "push" content to the user's desktop, much like the failed PointCast network attempted in the mid-1990s. The product is scheduled for an official launch early next year.

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By Neoprimal

posted Sep 27, 2006 - 12:39 AM

The msn screensaver already does this (for me), so I think I'll pass. Otherwise, it wasnt a bad idea. Just, old.

Score: 0

By ZenWarrior

posted Sep 26, 2006 - 10:38 AM

I will install additional Real[Bad] software only when I no longer have to be online and log in to use the player for which I "paid" $20.00. (Oops, my bad--I forgot I'm merely leasing it.)

Pointcast? We didn't know it then, but we were essentially looking at the future. Pointcast was ahead of its time.

Score: 0

By samanathon

edited Sep 26, 2006 - 12:46 AM

I will NEVER allow any Real product on any of my machines ever again. They can never win me back after releasing such a crap-tastic product.

Score: 0

By crashoverride

posted Sep 25, 2006 - 11:01 PM

Anyone else think Real Networks and AOL would work well together. I mean they're both pathetically grasping for relevance these days. They both make crapware that will bring a computer to its knees. Yes.. I think they would make a perfect pair.

Score: 0

By Treize

posted Sep 25, 2006 - 9:10 PM

It just looks like your average portal to me. Not like PointCast.

Score: 0

By Banquo

edited Sep 25, 2006 - 9:25 PM

Um, that's not it. It's a program you download to run on your desktop, and includes a screen saver that displays news headlines and stuff. Sounds a lot like Pointcast to me.

Score: 0

By Treize

posted Sep 25, 2006 - 11:43 PM

Oh, I wonder if it'll just end up being a bloated RSS reader, along the same lines as Real Player is a bloated media player. I bet if you went around, you'd find a smaller, more efficient program which does similar things. I remember wTicker worked as a bar on top of screen with live news events scrolling on it.

Score: 0

By zridling

posted Sep 25, 2006 - 8:30 PM

RealNetworks is one of the worst companies and has produced Hall of Shame bad — I mean viral — software. Don't go near any of their disasters unlike you enjoy rebuilding your computer soon after.

Score: 0

By Skyfrog

posted Sep 25, 2006 - 6:20 PM

OMG, Real has invented RSS feeds!

Score: 0

By AlanRivaldo

posted Sep 25, 2006 - 6:07 PM

The title of this article should be "Real's Reach for Relevancy Results in Releasing RealTime"

Score: 0

By Das mod

edited Sep 25, 2006 - 6:01 PM

ok, REAL was good back in the day when it was nothing but a media player ...
after they started adding all that crap
(sports, finance, entertainment, etc ... )
it went downhill ... and i mean REAAAALLY down

why does REAL think a user wants a crammed up application displaying everything all at once ???

same as with the channels on TV .... there's one for music, one for news, one for kids ... etc.

theres no such thing as the "CNN-ABC-DISNEY-DISCOVERY-HISTORY-WEATHER-CARTOONNETWORK" channel

yeah nice try realnetworks ... nice try