Both can be downloaded over the Internet starting today. The Real Player 7 versions contain new features but no technical updates over the previous G2 player, so there are no differences in sound. Instead, RealNetworks has concentrated on revising its Web site and services to help users find and play material from the bewildering selection on the Web. By assembling a lineup of material from such sources as ABC News, Comedy Central, Fox Sports and Sony Music, as well as Internet-only producers, RealNetworks' executives believe they will simplify the task of finding audio and video on the Web. But just in case the choice is still bewildering, RealNetworks has created a feature called Take5, which draws from the selected audio and video on the Web every day, as determined by a RealNetworks editorial team.
Users can even receive messages indicating when new material is available.
On a given day it can get quite fluffy. It's a reflection of what is out there. RealNetworks has 25 editors who scan the Web for audio and video content each day before selecting material to include in Take5. Mohl expects a 36-hour lag before content is posted in Take5, which will operate only with Real Player 7. RealNetworks' main competitors are Microsoft's Windows Media Player and Apple's QuickTime.