RealNetworks released their new audio format, RealAudio 8, today. New format replaces the Real's old G2 format. RealAudio 8 is jointly developed with Sony and it actually blends with Sony's own ATRAC3 format.
Real claims that RA8 files are half of the size of MP3s with the same quality. Real has one big advance compared to others who have tried to introduce new audio formats to replace MP3 -- they have millions and millions of existing users.
Under the terms of the Sony/Real deal, Sony will also include RealPlayer with their Vaio computers and its portable music players.
Written by: Petteri Pyyny @ 23 Oct 2000 12:36