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Real's Reality

Posted by timothy on from the best-wishes dept.

prostoalex writes "While Real Networks claims its market share and low profit numbers are the result of Microsoft's anti-competitive behavior, there are some alternative views. News.com has an article on Real's reality, which reveals many interesting practices that Real resorted to. "Although RealNetworks had already licensed Microsoft's formats for use in its media player, it didn't have Windows Media licenses for its server technology. Undeterred, the company found a way to essentially replicate the Windows Media code, trumpeting its new software as the Internet's first "universal" streaming system", says News.com." Read on for more.

"There's also an interesting conversation going on at Jogin.com, which started with this post from the author, basically a rant, describing how inconvenient and even hostile Real Player is. It would be like any other rant, except an employee of Real Networks replied with some insights into the company's wrongdoings and somewhat explained Real's undeterred hostility towards those who downloaded the free version of its player. Furthermore, a consultant, who used to work at Real Networks, replied, sharing some questionable practices Real engaged in, such as hiding a variety of "add-ons" at the bottom of the page, hoping that the user would not scroll down to un-check the selections, and then charging his credit card for add-ons when he signed up for paid version on Real One."

2 of 460 comments (clear)

  1. Real's reality... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Real Player is losing market share because they suck. Pure and simple. I want my media player to actually play media, not buffer it. And all the extra crap - ads, channels, and such - that clutter the UI are absurd.

    If Real Networks thinks it's because of Microsoft, they're in denial.

  2. More Redundancy by InvaderXimian · · Score: 1, Redundant
    BUFFERING!

    Enough said.

    ...oh! Not to mention all the programs it wants to install but hides it from you and settings it just "forgets."

    During installation of Real Player, you need to pay close attention and look at every option because they try to pull a fast one on you by hiding certain settings since you need to scroll down to see them.

    These kind of things are why they lose so many users.