RealNetworks has followed Microsoft in announcing an end-to-end music store and player solution to compete with the Apple iPod/iTunes combination. Based on its existing Rhapsody music subscription service and Helix DRM system, Rhapsody DNA will be compatible with new e200 Sansa players from SanDisk and others to provide offline access to its 2 million-song catalog. Unlike the Microsoft Zune, which is not a PlaysForSure device and thus cannot play music from third party stores, Rhapsody DNA devices can be designed to also functional as PlaysForSure devices.
Like Microsoft, Realnetworks will have to convince consumers that the subscription model is the way to go. Will people want to own a small number of music tracks, or having access to a huge catalog the way to go?