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RealPlayer-WebTV deal
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July 2, 1999: 8:27 a.m. ET
Microsoft and RealNetworks to allow WebTV multimedia access
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - RealNetworks Inc. will adapt software so that sound and video files can be accessed via Microsoft Corp.'s WebTV, bringing together two normally bitter rivals on the Internet scene.
As part of the deal, RealNetworks (RNWK) will adapt the G2 player so that it can be used not only on WebTV, but any device using Microsoft's (MSFT) Windows CE operating system.
WebTV could originally handle broadcasts in RealAudio format, but problems developed when RealNetworks upgraded to its G2 system because of lack of memory in the WebTV hardware.
Len Jordan, senior vice president at RealNetworks, told the Wall Street Journal the company wants to adapt its software to as many Internet platforms as possible, such as hand-held devices, not just those using Windows operating systems.
RealNetworks shares jumped 9 Thursday to 77-7/8 and Microsoft rose 1 to 91-3/16.
Microsoft and RealNetworks have had a stormy relationship, with Microsoft distributing its own media player to compete for the Internet multimedia audience. RealNetworks has complained to the government about Microsoft's business practices.
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RealNetworks
Microsoft
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