RealNetworks Releases Rinse for iTunes

Peter Kafka:

RealNetworks used to try to compete with Apple. Now it’s in the Apple accessories business. The software company is rolling out Rinse, a $39 program that promises to “seamlessly organize and repair your iTunes music library”.

Remember how fun it was to find the download link for the free version of the RealPlayer plugin? Remember when Real had their own music store? Even better, remember back in 2003, when, regarding the iPod, Real founder and then-CEO Rob Glaser told The New York Times:

“It’s absolutely clear now why five years from now, Apple will have 3 (percent) to 5 percent of the player market. … The history of the world is that hybridization yields better results.”

Good times.

★ Monday, 25 April 2011