Digital Music – The Future

What if:
> You could buy music from a huge online store, similar to iTunes
> You could play it on your iPod

and:
> You also could play it on other MP3 players
> The music was cheaper than iTunes

You can. RealNetworks expanded its offerings so you can now buy music at the Real Music Store in addition to renting through the Rhapsody unlimited music subscription. Songs are as low as $.49 with a typical price at $.69 and albums at $6.99 for the time being.

Another big feature beyond the low pricing is its compatibility with iPods.

According to Wired:

Every song it offers as an a la carte download from the RealPlayer Music Store (including harmony-compatible songs) can be transferred to an iPod using a similar method, according to Matt Graves, Real's senior PR manager of music. When a user tries to transfer a secure AAC purchased from Real to an iPod, the RealPlayer client removes Real's Helix protection and adds Apple's FairPlay protection. When a user wants to transfer a purchased song to an MP3 player that supports secure WMA, the RealPlayer client removes the Helix protection, transcodes the AAC to WMA, and adds Microsoft's DRM.