CES 2011: RealNetworks Steps Past Apple & Google to Offer Cloud-Based Music

http://www.nytimes.com/external/readwriteweb/2011/01/06/06readwriteweb-ces-2011-realnetworks-step-past-apple-goog91313.html

Looks like RealNetworks is going to beat Apple and Google to the punch by offering cloud-based music sometime in the early part of this year. This service will allow users to purchase their music and keep it stored in the cloud so that they can access their music from anywhere--mobile phones, PCs, tablets, etc.

People have been waiting for Apple or Google to offer this service and there have been lots of rumors that Apple was going to announce a cloud-based music service last year especially after the purchase of LaLa, a company that provided services to users by taking the music on their PCs and putting it on the cloud so that they could access their music from anywhere.

We'll see if Apple and/or Google can finally deliver this service sometime this year. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple finally was able to deliver such a service, but it will be another round of tough negotiations with the music labels before this becomes a reality.

Priceline: What does Priceline have to do with Microsoft, Apple, Google and Facebook?

My research company is on Priceline. I have been using Priceline for a while on my travellings, mostly on hotels. I did some research on how to do better and more efficient bidding. It takes a bit of time, but it was a fun process and I feel that I am always making a deal - most of the time.
I might post some tips on how to do some better bidding if there are any interests.

Anyways, below are some information on what does Priceline have to do with Microsoft, Apple, Google and Facebook?


Microsoft and Priceline Partnering

Microsoft® Advertising worked with Priceline to create Bing™ travel campaigns focused on budget-conscious consumers who still needed or wanted to travel. Priceline had a brand awareness advantage in the name-your-price budget market based on its commercials featuring William Shatner as “The Negotiator.” Microsoft Advertising search specialists helped Priceline optimize for Bing Travel by launching campaigns that featured top travel search destinations on the decision engine.

http://advertising.microsoft.com/priceline-case-study

Apple has a PriceLine Widget

PriceLine Widget allows you to find a hotel via your Dashboard on PriceLine.

http://www.apple.com/downloads/dashboard/travel/pricelinewidget.html

but some apps may be better than others...
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/priceline-helper-bidding/id405143884?mt=8

Google: Google acquisition of ITA Software, Jeffery Boyd of Priceline sees “opportunity

the Priceline president and CEO said if Google buys ITA Software and leverages the technology to deliver better-qualified customers to Priceline and other online travel agencies, then Google’s foray into vertical, travel search would represent an opportunity for Priceline.

Boyd said Priceline would be willing to pay more to Google for such better-qualified leads.

http://www.tnooz.com/2010/05/18/news/priceline-no-fear-and-loathing-about-google-ita-software/


Facebook - Apps for Priceline in Facebook but also being sued for Patent infridgement Priceline is currently have facebook apps and also is suing facebook for patent infridgement. There could be complication in partnership where you share too much information. There may be some gray area in this type of relationships when technology/algorithm is key to ones business.

http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?id=16289913689

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-11-24/facebook-sued-by-inventor-behind-priceline-com.html