Rhapsody

(1) A subscription-based online music service from RealNetworks that gives users unlimited access to a vast library of major and independent label music. Within a single interface, Rhapsody provides access to streaming music, Internet radio and extensive music information and recommendations. Subscribers can also buy songs and burn full albums or custom mix CDs of favorite tunes. As with other music services such as iTunes, Rhapsody offers the ability to browse its digital jukebox by Artist, Title, Composer, Album or Track. Rhapsody, launched in late 2001, can be purchased through RealNetworks or distribution partners.

(2) The code name given to a next-generation operating system from Apple that eventually evolved into Mac OS X. Rhapsody was a Unix-based operating system that supported the Mac OS (Blue Box) and OpenStep (Yellow Box) from NeXT. See Mac OS X, Yellow Box and NeXT.

---

(operating system)

Rhapsody - Apple Computer, Inc.'s next-generation operating system for PowerPC processor-based systems capable of running Mac OS. Rhapsody includes four components: the Core OS, the Blue Box (the implementation of the Mac OS within Rhapsody), the Yellow Box, and the Advanced Mac Look and Feel. "Rhapsody for Intel" runs on Intel processors It includes the Core OS, the Yellow Box, and the Advanced Mac Look and Feel, but lacks the Blue Box and therefore is unable to run Mac OS software. "Rhapsody Developer Release" is a developer-only release of Rhapsody, scheduled for release in late 1997. It will go to all members of the Macintosh Developer Program and the Apple Media Program worldwide who have signed nondisclosure agreements. "Rhapsody Premier Release" will be the second release of Rhapsody, scheduled for early 1998. It is meant for early adopters and will include a partially finished human interface and a partial implementation of the Blue Box. "Rhapsody Unified Release" will be the third release, scheduled for mid-1998. It will be the first public release, and it will include the first full implementation of the Rhapsody human interface and the Blue Box. FAQ.