SEATTLE, April 27 (UPI) -- Seattle-based RealNetworks will offer 25 free digital music downloads a month to compete with market leader Apple Computer.
The maker of the RealPlayer audio/video software introduced a new version of its Rhapsody digital music program Tuesday, USA Today reported. Before that, subscribers paid $9.99 a month for access to more than 1 million songs through their personal computer.
Now, a mini-version of Rhapsody is available, with 25 free songs a month. It differs from free Internet radio programs in that the Rhapsody songs can be received on demand.
"If you say to people, 'Go try it, with no obligation,' that's incredibly powerful," Real Chief Executive Officer Rob Glaser said.
Apple dominates digital music with its iTunes Music Store and iPod digital music players.
David Card at market tracker Jupiter Research says Real's move will pay off as surveys have shown people are six times more likely to convert to paying customers after they try it out.
