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RealNetworks Adds Parental Controls And PC Performance Tools To Real Broadband Essentials Subscription Security Bundle


WEBWIRE

Award winning products from ContentWatch, iolo technologies, and McAfee give parents peace of mind and protect users’ computers from dangers lurking on the Web

SEATTLE — November 16, 2006 — In order to better protect families from Internet vulnerabilities, RealNetworks®, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNWK), the global leader in digital media delivery, today announced it has added parental controls and PC tune up and repair utilities to its security subscription bundle, Real® Broadband Essentials. Subscribers can now download ContentWatch’s award winning ContentProtect Internet filtering software that helps parents manage and monitor their children’s Internet activity and block access to objectionable sites. And by downloading the System Mechanic 6 utility suite from iolo technologies, subscribers will have an integrated suite of powerful PC tools for optimizing system security and performance, as well as repairing and restoring settings damaged by viruses or spyware.

Since its initial availability in May, Real Broadband Essentials has featured McAfee VirusScan 2006 and Personal Firewall Plus 2006, which were selected because of McAfee’s recognized leadership in PC security. The package also includes Pure Network’s Network Magic for home network set-up and security, FotoTime’s photo and video back-up service, as well as ad-free entertainment with RealPlayer Plus® and Real RadioPass™.

“Parents want their children and teens to learn and explore, but they are also looking for the peace of mind that the experience will be fun, simple and safe,” said Harold Zeitz, senior vice president of Media Software and Services. "Security tools are increasingly important as teenagers come to rely more on the Internet for social interaction. It’s important for parents to be able to supervise a range of online activity beyond simple Internet surfing.

“We’re offering parental controls because we are committed to helping customers protect their families,” Zeitz continued. “Combined with market leading products that keep computers in tip top shape, our security bundle helps people enjoy the things that make the Web worthwhile.”

ContentProtect is the No.1 rated Internet filter in the marketplace according to TopTenREVIEWS (www.internetfilterreview.com). Its patent-pending, dynamic contextual analysis engine analyzes content in real time. This contrasts with filtering products that use URL list filtering, since they cannot keep up with the ever-changing enormity of the Web. ContentProtect also includes powerful remote management and reporting tools to help parents monitor child Internet access from remote locations as well as access to Instant Messaging and P2P applications. A survey commissioned by Cox Communications and NCMEC2 found that 61 percent of 13- to 17-year-olds have a personal profile on a social networking Web site; 71 percent reported receiving a message from someone they don’t know. With ContentProtect, parents can review each user’s IM conversations, specify which IM applications can be accessed, and with time controls, limit time spent on IM and the Internet in general.

“ContentWatch is pleased to partner with RealNetworks in offering state-of-the-art Internet filtering to its SuperPass customers,” said Jack Sunderlage, president and CEO of ContentWatch. “Both RealNetworks and ContentWatch have a common goal of keeping families safe online, and through our collaboration, we’re one step closer to reaching that goal.”

To help customers maintain their computer performance, the security bundle includes iolo’s System Mechanic, an award-winning utility suite used by millions worldwide to secure, optimize, repair, and maintain their systems. Its one-click power tools automatically perform vital services by diagnosing, reporting, and resolving computer problems and performance issues.

iolo CEO Noah Rowles, said “This is a great opportunity for consumers to take advantage of iolo’s exclusive technology and benefit from premium products provided by industry leaders that, together, enhance the PC user’s experience.”

The Real Broadband Essentials package is included in Real’s SuperPass™ subscription package at no extra cost, and is also offered as a stand alone subscription for $12.99 a month. Free trials are available at http://broadband.real.com.

ABOUT REALNETWORKS
RealNetworks, Inc. is a leading creator of digital media services and software including Rhapsody®, RealPlayer® 10 and casual PC and mobile games. Broadcasters, network operators, media companies and enterprises use RealNetworks’ products and services to create and deliver digital media to PCs, mobile phones and consumer electronics devices. Consumers can access and experience audio/video programming and download RealNetworks’ consumer software at http://www.real.com. RealNetworks’ systems and corporate information is located at http://www.realnetworks.com.

RealNetworks®, Real®, RealPlayer®, Real RadioPass™ Rhapsody®, SuperPass® are trademarks or registered trademarks of RealNetworks, Inc.



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