The screenshot is courtesy of a Gdgt hands-on, which explains that “unlike Spotify’s yet-to-be-released iPhone app, Rhapsody’s app lacks offline capability”. No local storage until version 2.0, apparently. Bummer.
Also worth noting: The free app won’t support Rhapsody Unlimited subscribers ($US12 a month).
Even if the app is approved (that is, Apple doesn’t baulk at competition to iTunes on its own device), you kinda get the feeling it’ll be a tough sell beyond existing subscribers until they get the local storage sorted. In the meantime, the company plans a limited time free-trial, and an Android version. From its blog:
“We are working diligently on an Android app and once we’re done there, we plan to turn our sights on more mobile platform and carrier app stores”
[Real Networks Blog and Gdgt]
Rhapsody on iPhone from Jamie on Vimeo.
