While launching download platforms was last month's fashion, launching new digital music players tied to your existing download platforms seems to be in vogue at the moment. Following on from Microsoft's announcement that it is moving into the iPod/iTunes domain with the launch of its Zune player and music store, now Real are planning a similar platform/player venture, albeit in partnership with SanDisk.
The SanDisk Rhapsody player, due for launch, in the US at least, ahead of Christmas, will be tied to Real's Rhapsody subscription service. The players will come with inbuilt software that will power the Rhapsody service which, insiders say, will be more reliable than rival subscription services which rely on Microsoft technology because it will be a Real proprietary platform using a Real proprietary codec on a Real endorsed player.