Apple vs RealNetworks

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ RealNetworks is trying to lure users of the popular iPod portable music player away from iTunes. <br/><br/>RealNetworks says it will temporarily slash its price for song downloads to

Tuesday, August 17th 2004, 1:43 pm

By: News On 6

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ RealNetworks is trying to lure users of the popular iPod portable music player away from iTunes.

RealNetworks says it will temporarily slash its price for song downloads to 49 cents -- 50 cents less than iTunes.

Last month, RealNetworks fired the first shot at iTunes' parent Apple Computer, announcing that it had developed technology that allows songs purchased through its own online music services to be played on iPods.

The price cut begins today. It coincides with a series of print ads meant to show iPod users they have an alternative to Apple's iTunes Music Store.

The sale also features full-album downloads for four dollars, 99 cents, five dollars less than iTunes.

But RealNetworks claims it's not targeting Apple specifically, only pursuing its goal of making its service compatible with as many digital players as possible.