Filed under: Internet, Video, Windows, Web services
RealPlayer takes online videos offline
by Brad Linder May 31st 2007
Real Networks is joining Google's quest to let you interact with online media while you're offline. On the one hand, this seems like technology that would have been great five years ago when fewer people had always-on internet connections. But it would also have been a lot harder to implement these tools back in the era of 56k modems.
In June, Real Networks will launch a beta of their updated RealPlayer. Robert Scoble caught up with Real Networks VP Jeff Chasen for a preview.
If the four minute video doesn't do it for you, Scoble has also posted a much longer video of the complete interview.
In June, Real Networks will launch a beta of their updated RealPlayer. Robert Scoble caught up with Real Networks VP Jeff Chasen for a preview.
If the four minute video doesn't do it for you, Scoble has also posted a much longer video of the complete interview.
At its most basic level, the new player adds support for flash videos. But it also integrates with your web browser. Anytime you view a flash video on YouTube or any other site, a button will pop up allowing you to download that movie.
You can download multiple movies at once, and save them in a folder on your PC for offline viewing. There'll also be a premium version of the software that lets you burn videos to CDs or DVDs, convert them to different file formats, or use equalizer controls.
Oh yeah, and for now, the new RealPlayer is PC only. A Mac version is due out later this year.
You can download multiple movies at once, and save them in a folder on your PC for offline viewing. There'll also be a premium version of the software that lets you burn videos to CDs or DVDs, convert them to different file formats, or use equalizer controls.
Oh yeah, and for now, the new RealPlayer is PC only. A Mac version is due out later this year.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TheGuy said 8:32AM on 6-01-2007
Wow, this is the first new version in 2.5 years. Too bad no-one cares about RealPlayer anymore.
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Bannana said 8:32AM on 6-01-2007
Buffering...
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x said 8:37AM on 6-01-2007
"Oh yeah, and for now, the new RealPlayer is PC only."
Oh yeah? NOT! From the press release:
"Real plans a version for the Mac to be released later in the year."
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Jenny said 8:38AM on 6-01-2007
streaming HD videos on regular 512k ADSLis almost similar to watching videos on a 56k dial up. Off line viewing is much appreciated.
Jenny
http://www.spaml.com
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bdgbill said 8:51AM on 6-01-2007
The first thing I do whenever I buy a new machine is remove any realplayer software (or attempt to). I my opinion RealNetworks is one of the most dishonest companies out there and this behavior goes back to the 90's.
Their software comes bundled with spyware, toolbars and other obnoxious elements. Depending on what version you have you may and may not be able to uninstall it cleanly.
A couple of years ago my girlfriend just had to have a paid subscription so she could watch "Big Brother" online. When the show ended for the season it took a 30 minute phone call to cancel.
I was forced to listen to a long list of "features" (all of which are available at better quality for free elswhere) I would be missing out on.
RealNetworks has apologized and promised to clean up it's act several times only to fall back on old habits in a desperate attempt to maintain an installed base for a product that is completely obsolete (YouTube??).
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