Rhapsody America finally nearing launch?

Wireless software solutions and services developer Smith Micro Software announced an agreement with the RealNetworks/MTV Networks digital music service Rhapsody America to distribute its AutoSync technology for the Rhapsody music PC client, perhaps signaling the long-in-gestation service is finally ready for its formal mobile launch. AutoSync software automatically switches mobile music devices from data-communications mode to music sync mode, enabling music device detection, service discovery and music synchronization. According to Smith Micro, the AutoSync technology is specifically designed and distributed for Rhapsody America distributor Verizon Wireless as the operator takes steps to introduce expanded music functionality to its mobile device portfolio. MTV Networks and RealNetworks first announced plans to merge their online digital music stores under the Rhapsody America banner in August 2007, but at present the service remains without an official mobile launch date--at this spring's Mobile Entertainment Live! event in Las Vegas, RealNetworks chairman and CEO Rob Glaser said Rhapsody America will require "about three months longer to launch than expected," a delay he blamed on the number of available Verizon devices.

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