RealNetworks tries to challenge Apple -- really

Posted Aug 25th 2009 11:40AM by Mark Fightmaster
Filed under: Competitive Strategy, Apple Inc (AAPL)

In an interesting move, RealNetworks (NASDAQ: RNWK) has decided that it wants to kick off another potential controversy with Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone and its applications (apps).

RealNetworks has developed an app for the iPhone that will bring the company's Rhapsody music service (a pay-to-listen service) to the iPhone and the iPod touch. The question is, will Apple allow the company to do this? RealNetworks has stated that it will submit its application for Apple's approval this week.

This is a great move by RealNetworks, as some will remember that Apple had to respond to the FCC over Google applications on the iPhone and on how it approves applications. Will Apple bite the bullet and allow a competitor to make money through its iPhone? Apple has an argument, as the article points out, as the app replaces a core function of the iPhone and shouldn't be allowed. Nevertheless, watch for the app to be approved, mainly because of last week's goings on. Furthermore, RealNetworks does not pose a serious threat to Apple, especially on the performance front.

RealNetworks is wallowing in the $3 region and faces overhead resistance in the form of its 50-week moving average. This trendline has thwarted any rebound attempts of late, and appears to be ready to do so again. On the other hand, Apple is riding along support from its 10-week moving average, challenging the $174 region on its trek higher.

Does this mean that the bigger firm is a better investment? In this case, yes. Apple will continue to rule the roost in the tech field as long as the company can maintain its position on the cutting edge of technology.

Tags: internet music, inthenews, iPhone, iPod touch, IpodTouch, music service, RealNetworks, Rhapsody, rnwk

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

8-25-2009 @ 12:46PM

Beltway Greg said...

The time to challenge Apple has come and gone. Go to youtube and watch Secretariat's run in the 1973 Belmont.
To quote Dave Johnson, "Secretariat is moving like a great machine." I hope and pray that the FCC breaks the chain between Apple and AT & T. And let's be honest, the IPhone is really the only smart phone that delivers. The offerings from RIMM are terrible. They'd be great if not for the IPhone but the IPhones is Ursain Bolt and they're well, not.
The only thing Nokia and..........insert the name of the company of your choosing can hope for is some legal challenge or collusion on all of their behalf. The researchers even confirmed that the IPhone didn't drop calls at the rate that the Blackberry did. So stop the lies and innuendo and admit it. Apple kicked your butt and will continue to kick your butt. You're running for second place and shooting at a target that already moved to another spot. See you at the Microsoft store.