RSSiRiver to Produce Rhapsody-Enabled Clix
By Ed Oswald | Published July 9, 2007, 11:33 AM
RealNetworks has found another manufacturing partner to distribute devices that are compatible with its Rhapsody service, announcing Monday that iRiver would produce a new clix Rhapsody model.
The second-generation of the innovative device would support Rhapsody DNA, Real's own digital rights management solution. iRiver's previous clix model was a Windows Media-based device.
While this device would also support WMA, the focus would be on its Rhapsody integration. Reigncom, the manufacturer of the iRiver devices, said those who purchased a second-generation clix before the announcement would be able to add the functionality through a firmware update.
The new clix features "direct-click" navigation, a 2.2-inch OLED screen, FM radio, support for a variety of formats, and SRS WOW technology. A 4GB model is available for $189.99 USD.
"We are excited to be launching the new clix Rhapsody," said Sean Kim, CEO of Reigncom. "With Rhapsody DNA technologies, we are able to introduce a number of new features to enhance the consumer's digital music experience by providing intuitive ways to discover and enjoy new music directly on the device."
With Microsoft moving away from PlaysForSure due to the launch of the Zune, Real now sees an opportunity to promote its DNA DRM platform. So far, it has only partnered with SanDisk on the Sansa e200R, but the company hopes to sign further deals.
Real's desktop Rhapsody service is the largest subscription, all-you-can-eat music offering, with nearly 2.7 million subscribers, according to the company.
I hope it retails for less than that. $50 more will get you a 30GB iPod FFS.
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|I don't see why it would change too much, since it is competing against flash players like the iPod Nano, not HDD-based players.
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|Never understood the Nano bit. Why pay 5% less for a smaller device that has 50% less functionality?
But hey, the worlds full of 'em.
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|the ipod and Nano are garbage compared to any iRiver device.. Take a look at what this puppy can do..
my biggest beef about the ipod players is that you can't delete files on it without hooking up to the computer. I listen to many mp3 files once and i want to keep track of which ones i've listen to and which ones i haven't by deleting them as i've listened to them.
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|*Do*?
It plays music and movies.
It has limited storage.
*shrug*
If you want functionality, get the iAudio X5L.
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