RealNetworks and AOL Integrate Instant Messaging and Streaming Media

Strategic Insights -

RealNetworks and America Online (AOL) have integrated AOL's Instant Messenger service with RealPlayer G2, allowing users to exchange real-time streaming media programming with friends, family, and colleagues. This integration enables users to share their favorite RealAudio and RealVideo clips instantly with others. RealPlayer G2 Update 1 is now available for download, featuring an AOL Instant Messenger button and convenient menu items for easy sending of instant messages.

Key Takeaways:

  • RealNetworks and AOL have integrated AOL's Instant Messenger service with RealPlayer G2, enabling users to share streaming media programming in real-time.
  • The integration of AOL Instant Messenger service with RealPlayer G2 enhances online communities by allowing users to share their favorite clips instantly.
  • RealPlayer G2 Update 1 is immediately available for download at http://www.real.com.
  • The integration of real-time communication using AOL Instant Messenger service with streaming audio and video in RealPlayer G2 provides an exciting new dimension to the consumer Internet experience.
  • New features in RealPlayer G2 include choice of three download sizes, RealGuide Explorer Bar, RealNetworks standards-based Scalable Multicast support, and enhanced startup performance for RealChannels and SMIL presentations.
  • RealNetworks maintains a more than 85% share of the streaming media market.
  • More than 55 million registered unique users of RealPlayer(R) enjoy the largest absolute growth of any consumer desktop application in 1998, according to Media Metrix.
  • Actual usage of RealPlayer has grown dramatically, with Media Metrix reporting a 300% increase in unduplicated home users in the US to 15.5 million in December 1998.

Statistics:

  • 55 million registered unique users of RealPlayer(R) (Source: RealNetworks)
  • More than 300,000 hours of live RealAudio and RealVideo programming are available each week (Source: Hotbot)
  • 15.5 million unduplicated home users in the US use RealPlayer (Source: Media Metrix)
  • 85% share of the streaming media market maintained by RealNetworks (Source: Media Metrix)
  • 1700 live radio and television stations available through RealGuide Explorer Bar
  • 3.5 million consumers used the RealPlayer in December 1997 (Source: Media Metrix)
  • 15.5 million consumers using the RealPlayer in December 1998, a 300% increase (Source: Media Metrix)

Sources:

  • PRNewswire, "RealNetworks Announces Availability of RealPlayer G2 Update 1 Featuring AOL Instant Messenger"
  • RealNetworks, Inc.
  • America Online (AOL)
  • Media Metrix
  • Hotbot