RealNetworks to Offer Desktop News Feed

RealNetworks has launched the test version of a service that aims to provide personalized news and other information to users’ computers, marking the latest effort by a technology company to establish a desktop presence.

The Seattle company’s free RealTime offering includes a toolbar, a news reader that relays information based on personal preferences and a screen saver that rotates through favorite headlines and images.

RealNetworks said the product will include content from The Associated Press, Reuters Group PLC, The Weather Channel and the gadget news site Engadget.

RealNetworks, best known for its digital media player and online music service, also has moved into other consumer areas such as computer games.

Many other companies, including Google Inc. and Time Warner Inc.’s AOL, already offer toolbars and other technology that can be downloaded onto computer desktops.