03-13-2002, 04:37 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 135
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Real Player for Pocket PC
http://www.reuters.com/news_article.jhtml?type=technologynews&StoryID=690469
We've gotten reports from several readers (Chris Coulter and Bob Atkinson) of this Reuters article that says RealNetworks (proprietors of the RealAudio format, and arch rival to Windows Media Player) plans to release a version of its RealOne software for the Pocket PC operating system.
I think competition is a wonderful thing, and it will keep Microsoft on their toes and speed innovation of their products; however, I'm really unlikely to use this particular piece of software. Why? Because Windows Media player lets me play the audio files that I want in a suitable manner, and best of all it comes included in ROM. Thus, for me to switch to a different media player there would have to be a really amazing feature set
Thoughts?
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03-13-2002, 04:57 AM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 7
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Real Player
I think you just made the case to force Microsoft to unbundle software from all versions of Windows 
Unfortunately, I feel the same way, and I am sure a lot of others do as well. Even if Real was a little bit better, the odds of me using it are pretty minute. But it may open up doors to play other formats, such as RM, MPEG, and who knows what else. And if its streaming is anything like RealOne's new TurboPlay, they would have Microsoft beaten in the race for semi-decent video on demand in the mobile device space.
Mike
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03-13-2002, 05:08 AM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 1
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Technology led
I think that you're missing the point. The reason that this is a good thing has nothing to do with ram, rom or loyalty to microsoft. The fact is that not everyone delivers content in microsoft owned or supported format. Some of the best sites on the web only stream their unique content in RA format.
It will be great to have the *freedom of choice* to access this content rather than buying a device from a vendor upon which the developer of the operating system is trying to force you to use their formats for everything.
Microsoft could quite easily have integrated .ram support into it's media client but obviously this is not part of the game plan.
Having said that I still applaud the quality of the Microsoft applications even if they are a hidden cost in the device. 
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03-13-2002, 05:19 AM
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Neophyte
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 7
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I bought a retail copy of Real Player Plus off a shelf in a computer store long, long ago. I liked their product and thought it would be nice to have the Plus version.
A few months later they updated their product and I found out I couldn't upgrade. I had to purchase the new version outright. I called them and they sounded like I should have known all along. In other words - 'Tough'. I guess that what what I had really purchased was a short term subscription - but it said that nowhere on the box. This kind of thing continues with them to this day from what I understand.
Then came the 'free' versions that changed the default file associations without asking! and kept bugging you to buy the 'enhanced' version (subscription). Then we find out they were actually collecting data from us everytime we used it - without asking. And if that didn't top it off - instead of innovate - they legislate and sue Microsoft!
This free software from Microsoft is really hurting me - not! I'm always on the lookout for a better software product and don't mind paying when I find it. But I won't put up with the kind of junk Real has done to their customers.
I'll never use another 'Real' product. Especially on my Pocket PC.
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03-13-2002, 05:53 AM
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Editorial Contributor
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,411
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They can keep Real Player. The desktop version, as has been said, is ruthless and annoying. I'm surprised that real is planning support for a non connected device. Maybe it just won't work unless you are connected to the net so they can stream ads along with content.
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03-13-2002, 05:57 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 135
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Technology led
Quote:
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Originally Posted by jasper1000
I think that you're missing the point. The reason that this is a good thing has nothing to do with ram, rom or loyalty to microsoft. The fact is that not everyone delivers content in microsoft owned or supported format. Some of the best sites on the web only stream their unique content in RA format.
It will be great to have the *freedom of choice* to access this content rather than buying a device from a vendor upon which the developer of the operating system is trying to force you to use their formats for everything.
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I know, and I think thats great, really. I personaly don't have a connection on my Jornada, and I generaly use Microsoft or Microsoft compatible formats (MP3+ WMA/V as needed for size reasons), becase it's convient for me. That's my choice. If you like Real stuff, go for it. Like I said I think the competition is a good thing for Microsoft, but on a strictly personal level, this new thing from Real would have to be a hell of a lot better than what I got now in order for me to switch.
And choice is a great thing; feel free to make any choice you like. I've set the terms for my decission, and given my reasoning. Take it or leave it. I'm not particularly loyal to anything: be it Microsoft, anti-microsoft, linux, apple, HP, Compaq, Vaja, Mead, Cannon, Kodak, Fuji, Agfa, Minolta, Namiki, Yafa, UPS, FedEx, and Birkenstock.
If I could aford it I'd probably be loyal to Nikon equiptment, but thats life.
Of course I have prefrences. I like Agfa film over Kodak and Fuji film, I like Cannon over Manolta, Birkenstocks over Tevas, Namiki over Parker or Pelikan, Microsoft over Linux, Mac over Linux, and so forth. I also like having the choice, and I respect your right to make your own choice, I'm just telling you mine.
Cheers,
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03-13-2002, 07:31 AM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 108
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I will never install another real product on my PC. I certainly won't install one on my pocketPC. I doubt you could ever uninstall it, and certainly you would never get your 'associations' back even though you told it not to make them in the first place.
All this bitterness and I even know people work there. Hmm, some to think of it I know just as many people that USED to work there.
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03-13-2002, 11:56 AM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 85
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I think it's a good thing for two reasons;
1) Some content is only streamed in Real format (I know, someone already made this point)
2) Real are taking the PocketPC as a serious wireless device.
You may not want to software, but I think we should applaud its impending availability.
As for concerns about adverts and needing to be connected to use it, the version for the Nokia Communicator (which has been available for some time) currently doesn't have any of these problems.
I think this is a good thing for the PocketPC.
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03-13-2002, 02:25 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 42
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Thanks, but no thanks..
I wonder, how they plan to implement their Spyware features on a PPC ?
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03-13-2002, 03:07 PM
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Contributing Editor
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 123
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Need To Have Vs. Want To Have
I think a few people have brought up a valid point that cannot be emphasized enough:
Some content is only available in Real format.
While this (for lack of a better word) sucks, it is a reality. In my case, some of the content that I need (not want) to have is only available in Real format. So, I guess I have to live with it.
Now, if only I could find better coersion methods to apply to those providers. Hypnosis, anyone? :wink:
__________________
Don SorcinelliMicrosoft MVP, Windows Mobile DevicesEditor-In-Chief, BostonPocketPC.com
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