RealNetworks Brings PC-Free Rhapsody Experience to the Logitech Squeezebox and Transporter Devices

RealNetworks Brings PC-Free Rhapsody Experience to the Logitech Squeezebox and Transporter Devices

Free Software Update Delivers Direct Access to Rhapsody's Three Million Song Catalog From Every Room in the Home

SEATTLE, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Continuing its efforts to extend the Rhapsody(R) digital music experience into the living room, RealNetworks(R), Inc. today announced that consumers will soon be able to enjoy PC-free direct access to its award-winning digital music service via the acclaimed Logitech Squeezebox and Transporter home audio players, which were created by Slim Devices, a company recently acquired by Logitech.

The new Rhapsody feature-set for the Squeezebox and Transporter players is expected to be available in the United States from Logitech on January 15, 2007 as a part of a free update to be available at www.logitech.com/downloads. This update to the Logitech Squeezebox and Transporter home audio players uses RealNetworks' Rhapsody DNA technology to deliver Rhapsody's 3 million song library straight to users' fingertips in any room in the home.

In an industry first, consumers can search Rhapsody's library for specific artists, albums and songs -- and then instantly play back selections via the intuitive Squeezebox and Transporter remote interface without ever having to interact with a PC.

"Combining the Rhapsody service with award-winning devices like the Squeezebox and Transporter allows us to continue evolving the digital music experience," said Dan Sheeran, senior vice president of music, RealNetworks. "By introducing the direct search feature, Squeezebox users are now enjoying a truly on-demand, personalized 'celestial jukebox' in the home."

As part of the software upgrade, Squeezebox and Transporter customers can also access hundreds of Rhapsody's professionally programmed channels, which provide unending themed streams of music via the Squeezebox. They can also browse Rhapsody's charts of the top 100 songs, artists and albums in hundreds of music genres to find something new to enjoy, and access Rhapsody's critically-acclaimed editorial content. When consumers hear a song that they like in the Rhapsody Music Guide or on Rhapsody Radio, they can instantly add the song or entire album to their music library using the intuitive user interface on the Squeezebox or Transporter.

"We are excited to be offering people seamless access to one of the industry's leading digital music service," said Sean Adams, director and general manager of Logitech's Streaming Media Systems group. "Incorporating Rhapsody DNA technologies with Squeezebox and Transporter has allowed us to take the home digital audio experience to an unprecedented level of integration."

Squeezebox owners who upgrade their devices will automatically receive a 30-day, no credit card required free trial of the Rhapsody music service. Consumers can choose to continue their Rhapsody service beyond the trial period for only $9.99 per month. More details can be found at http://offer.rhapsody.com/squeezebox .

Rhapsody DNA is a technology platform and set of marketing programs that enable CE makers to extend the award-winning Rhapsody digital music experience beyond the PC to portable and in-home devices through features such as the ability to browse the Rhapsody Music Guide and My Library menus, instant song playback, and access to Rhapsody's critically-acclaimed editorial content. Additional information about Rhapsody DNA and Rhapsody DNA licensing can be found at http://webservices.rhapsody.com/ .

The Logitech Squeezebox and Transporter home audio players have revolutionized the way consumers listen to music. By using true 802.11g wireless networking and dual internal antennas, Squeezebox and Transporter deliver digital music that is no longer restricted by cables, connectors or even a consumer's music library. In addition to the deep integration with Rhapsody, the Squeezebox and Transporter include a directory of thousands of Internet radio stations and other personalized music services.

ABOUT REALNETWORKS

RealNetworks, Inc. is the leading creator of digital media services and software including Rhapsody(R), RealPlayer(R) 10, and casual PC and mobile games. Broadcasters, network operators, media companies and enterprises use RealNetworks' products and services to create and deliver digital media to PCs, mobile phones and consumer electronics devices. Consumers can access and experience audio/video programming and download RealNetworks' consumer software at http://www.real.com/. RealNetworks' systems and corporate information is located at http://www.realnetworks.com/ .

FCMN Contact: meggers@real.com

Source: RealNetworks, Inc.

CONTACT: Ronda Scott of RealNetworks, +1-415-934-2016, or
rscott@real.com; or Pamela McCracken of Logitech, +1-510-713-4003, or
pamela_mccracken@logitech.com

Web site: http://www.realnetworks.com/

-------
Profile: intent