RealNetworks hits mobile phone screens

RealNetworks on Monday announced that it will send audio and video streams of sports and news programming to consumers' mobile phones. The digital media delivery company said that the programming will be available via AT&T Wireless, Cingular and T-Mobile--some of the leading U.S.cellular services.

The programming, under the heading of the RealOne Mobile Media Guide, will include news and sports clips, and other entertainment options such as movie trailers. The programming will come from national media providers including National Public Radio, FoxSports.com and Sporting News Radio. RealOne will also stream CNET Radio Direct, a unit of CNET Networks, publisher of News.com.

The service will first be available only on Nokia's 3650 mobile phone and on handheld devices running Microsoft's Pocket PC operating software. RealNetworks said that mobile phones from Siemens and Samsung will also support the service beginning later this year. The mobile phone service is the latest attempt by RealNetworks to differentiate its technology and service from that of rival Microsoft, which has steadily chipped away at the streaming pioneer's lead in the industry. The service is part of RealNetworks' push beyond the desktop as competition for streaming to PCs has stiffened and sales of its server systems have declined.

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