During the IDF, Intel announced that Real Networks will be providing a unified player and codec solution for Mobile Internet Devices. The Real player announcement is very significant because it completes an important part of the software puzzle. Linux, codecs and media purchases often don’t work smoothly together but if Real are providing a Real Player and a codec set then, problem solved.
The new RealPlayer for MID is the first media player on this platform that, out of the box, is enabled to decode most popular and standard media formats (RealMedia, Windows Media, MP3, MPEG4, H.264, AAC, AAC+, VC-1 and Ogg).
It appears that the OEM is able to roll-up the licensing for the codecs and into the cost of the device.
A primary feature of the new RealPlayer for MID is a simplified business model that covers licensing, royalties and reports. In addition, the application delivers bundled codecs and the ability to play browser content or use the application as a stand-alone media player, while preserving battery life with codec implementations optimized for MIDs based on Intel Centrino® AtomTM processor technology. Further, the solution integrates easily and runs on Moblin compliant operating systems.
Also note that the player is going to be MID-optimised. That means it will utilise the Poulsbo chipset to best effect. I read a slide today that suggests that a MID will be able to handle a 1080p video which, if true, will be class-leading for a handheld device and could blow away anything that Archos or Cowon are currently able to do with their dedicated media devices. Premium content (read, DRM + paid) will be supported through the player but I can’t work out if Real will be bridging to their own Rhapsody service or if multiple content providers will be supported.
Press release (PDF)
In related news, AOL announced that they will be providing a widget for MIDs that will provide access to Top 100 videos. The widget will be build in Adobe Air and the desktop version (shown right) is already available.
Press release (PDF)
