RNWK--RealPlayer and RealJukebox to Be Featured on 10 Million PhoenixNet-Enabled PCs Worldwide
RealNetworks Teams With World Leader in PC System Bios Software to Further Increase Distribution of RealPlayer and RealJukebox to Consumers
SEATTLE, Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- RealNetworks®, Inc. (Nasdaq: RNWK - news), the recognized leader in media delivery on the Internet, and Phoenix Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq: PTEC - news), the global leader in system-enabling software solutions for PCs and connected digital devices, today announced an agreement to distribute industry-leading RealPlayer® and RealJukebox(TM) to users of non-branded ``white box'' PCs via PhoenixNet(TM). The deal will enable new white box PC users to quickly acquire the best consumer software for experiencing Internet audio, video and digital music. White box PC shipments account for nearly 30 percent of the global PC market, more than the three largest branded computer makers (Dell, Compaq and Hewlett-Packard) combined. Outside the US market, the prominence of white box PCs is even greater, with a market share almost as large as the top 5 branded PC makers combined.
``We are very pleased to offer RealNetworks' award-winning software to PhoenixNet-enabled PC users,'' said Chip Gierhart, senior vice president and general manager, PhoenixNet Division, Phoenix Technologies. ``Our rapidly growing base of PhoenixNet users will enjoy the unparalleled media experiences made available to them in RealPlayer and RealJukebox.''
``We are delighted that Phoenix Technologies is including access to RealPlayer and RealJukebox on the desktop of their PCs,'' said James Higa, vice president Consumer Products, RealNetworks, Inc. ``With the 'white box' PC market forecasted as one of the fastest growing PC segments, this distribution will help ensure the continued ubiquity of RealPlayer and RealJukebox software.''
``By all projections, the white box market will continue to be a sizable and important component of the global PC market,'' said Bruce Stephen, vice president of worldwide PC Research for IDC, a leading provider of information technology industry analysis. ``Recent IDC research, for example, projects the U.S. White Box market at over nine million units this year. In addition, the White Box segment is a major component of many emerging geographies.''
Under the terms of the agreement, a RealNetworks icon will appear on every Internet connected PC that includes a motherboard manufactured by companies included in the PhoenixNet program. By clicking on this icon, users can easily download the latest versions of RealPlayer and RealJukebox software. Today's announcement adds to RealNetworks existing strong content and OEM distribution channels.
About PhoenixNet
PhoenixNet (http://www.phoenixnet.com), a free Internet-based service for users of non-branded ``white box'' PCs, provides ongoing customized services to individuals worldwide enhancing the capabilities of a PC over its lifetime. The patented Internet Launch System(TM) (ILS), built into the BIOS software on PhoenixNet-enabled motherboards, is activated at the users option the first time the PC is powered on. When PhoenixNet-enabled computers connect to the Internet, the user has access to the latest services available from Phoenix and its partners via the PhoenixNet server.
About Phoenix Technologies
Phoenix is the global leader in system-enabling software solutions for PCs and connected devices. The Company's system software has been sold to more than 600 customers worldwide and is designed into more than 70 million PCs sold annually, as well as embedded systems and information appliances. Products and services of the Platform Enabling Division play a critical role in linking computing and communication technologies for OEMs, and for Internet service and content providers benefiting the information consumer. The Internet Division, PhoenixNet, provides ongoing, customized services to individuals worldwide to maximize the potential of their Personal Computer. InSilicon, a majority owned subsidiary of Phoenix, provides communications and connectivity semiconductor intellectual property cores and protocol software.
About RealPlayer
RealPlayer 8 is the newest version of the industry-leading media player and gateway to the best audio and video programming on the Internet and the Real.com(TM) Network. RealPlayer 8 offers one button access to audio and video programming from more than 300 partners via Real.com Take5, Channels and Live Stations. RealPlayer 8 also includes the new Real.com Message Service, which enables users, at their option and free of charge, to be notified when entertainment or breaking news programming is available. RealPlayer is available for free download from real.com.
About RealJukebox
RealJukebox, the market-leading jukebox software, enables consumers to build and manage extensive digital music collections by recording songs from their CDs or downloading them from the Internet, and play them back from a PC, portable music player or stereo. It provides users with a single complete solution for all their music needs by supporting the broadest range of popular music formats and music related hardware. RealJukebox is available for free download from real.com.
About RealNetworks
RealNetworks, Inc., based in Seattle, is the recognized leader in streaming media delivery on the Internet. It develops and markets software products and services designed to enable users of personal computers and other consumer electronic devices to send and receive audio, video and other multimedia services using the Web. Consumers can access and experience audio/video programming and download RealNetworks consumer software on the Internet at real.com. RealNetworks' systems and corporate information is located on the Internet at realnetworks.com.
The statements in this press release relating to matters that are not historical are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Readers are referred to the documents filed by Phoenix Technologies and RealNetworks with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the most recent filings on form 10-Q, filed August 11, 2000 (Phoenix Technologies and RealNetworks), and form 10-K, filed December 22,1999 (Phoenix Technologies) and March 30, 2000 (RealNetworks), which identify important risk factors.
NOTE: RealNetworks, Real.com, RealPlayer and RealJukebox, are trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc. Phoenix is a registered trademark and Phoenix Technologies and PhoenixNet are trademarks of Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All other companies or products listed herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
SOURCE: RealNetworks, Inc. |
