RealTimes (with RealPlayer): A Comprehensive Review

RealTimes (with RealPlayer), developed by RealNetworks Inc., is a free video slideshow creation program for PCs. Its core function is automating the process of transforming personal photos into artistic video reels, complete with customizable audio and music integration. Leveraging the established brand recognition of RealPlayer and its cloud storage service, RealTimes seamlessly integrates with these platforms, fostering a cohesive ecosystem for media management and sharing. Created videos can be easily shared directly from the application to various social media and messaging platforms.

Streamlining Photo and Video Sharing

RealTimes addresses the common problem of unused photos and videos languishing on personal devices. While many capture numerous images and videos using their smartphones, a significant portion remains unshared. RealTimes aims to alleviate the tedious process of compiling and sharing this media by automating several key steps. The application employs a sophisticated algorithm to scan photos, intelligently selecting the best shots while discarding blurry, dark, or duplicate images. This ensures that only high-quality photos are included in the automatically generated slideshows.

While generally effective, the algorithm displays a noticeable bias toward photos containing faces, occasionally overlooking other high-quality images that lack human subjects. Fortunately, the application provides a manual editing option, allowing users to add photos the algorithm may have missed. If the initial automatic selection is unsatisfactory, users can utilize the “Remix” button to generate a randomized slideshow, offering a fresh perspective on the selected media.

The application incorporates video filters; however, these are generally considered subpar compared to alternatives like Instagram or VSCO Cam. Users are often encouraged to apply preferred filters from other applications before importing their photos into RealTimes for slideshow creation.

Social Integration and Sharing Capabilities

RealTimes incorporates a social network aspect, notifying friends and family when new photos, videos, or slideshows (“Stories”) are added. Importantly, RealTimes does not mandate user registration; sharing Stories remains possible even with friends lacking a RealTimes account. Sharing on platforms such as Facebook displays the Story as an embedded video, seamlessly integrating within the recipient’s timeline.

During testing, the application demonstrated reliable performance across various devices, effortlessly handling Story creation and sharing. The application automatically converts videos to compatible formats for each platform, eliminating the need for manual file format adjustments. This automatic conversion process leverages the established capabilities of RealPlayer technology.

A significant advantage of RealTimes is its comprehensive scanning of photo and video libraries, even retrieving previously forgotten images and videos. This feature adds an element of nostalgic discovery, making revisiting old memories enjoyable and easily shareable with friends and family.

Subscription Model and Enhanced Features

RealTimes offers a free version with 2GB of cloud storage and a 30-second limit on Story length. Users can increase their storage capacity to 5GB by enabling the “Auto Upload” feature, which automatically uploads all photos and video clips to the RealPlayer Cloud service and subsequently creates Stories. This automatic upload provides a convenient method for continuous Story generation.

Users can refine each Story before sharing, adjusting the music, transition effects, and the order of photos and videos. Paid subscription plans, ranging from USD 2.99 to USD 4.99 per month (depending on the number of devices and inclusion of RealPlayer Cloud service), offer extended functionalities. Annual subscription plans are also available.

Regardless of the chosen subscription tier, users benefit from unlimited Story length and HD video resolution, enhancing the quality and flexibility of their creations. The application includes a wide selection of stock music, supplemented by the option to incorporate personal music selections or even add a voice-over for a personalized touch. However, during pre-release testing, adding music occasionally resulted in application crashes on Android devices. Creating longer Stories can also be time-consuming, with a four-minute Story taking over 30 minutes to export on an iPad during testing.

Organization and Memory Sharing: RealTimes’ Core Strengths

RealTimes effectively addresses the need for organizing and sharing the often-chaotic collections of photos and videos accumulated on various devices. Its strength lies in its ability to simplify the sharing process for users who frequently engage in social media interactions. By automating much of the organization and sharing process, RealTimes empowers users to share their content with minimal effort, removing the burden of individual photo editing or meticulous album organization.

If you are a user with a large collection of photos and videos and struggle with organization and sharing, RealTimes offers a valuable tool to simplify this process. The intuitive interface, automated features, and easy sharing options make it appealing for users who prioritize ease of use and rapid content distribution.

Pros and Cons of RealTimes (with RealPlayer)

Pros:

• Intuitive Interface: The application boasts a user-friendly interface, simplifying navigation and functionality for users of all technical skill levels.
• Effortless Sharing: Sharing content with others is streamlined, facilitating rapid distribution to social media and messaging platforms.
• Automation: A high degree of automation simplifies the creation of slideshows, handling tasks such as photo selection and video conversion.

Cons:

• Export Time for Longer Stories: Exporting longer Stories can be significantly time-consuming, potentially requiring considerable wait times.
• Algorithm Bias: The photo selection algorithm demonstrates a notable preference for photos featuring faces, potentially overlooking other high-quality images.
• Subpar Video Filters: The built-in video filters are generally considered inferior to those available in dedicated photo editing applications.

Conclusion: A Valuable Tool for Casual Users

RealTimes (with RealPlayer) provides a user-friendly solution for organizing and sharing personal photos and videos. While it presents some limitations concerning export times and algorithm biases, its ease of use and automated features make it an attractive option for users who prioritize simplicity and rapid content sharing over advanced editing capabilities. For users who frequently share their personal media on social platforms and value a straightforward, largely automated experience, RealTimes offers a strong solution. However, those requiring advanced editing features or precise control over the video creation process may find the limitations more significant. The subscription model provides additional functionality and eliminates some of the limitations of the free version, making it a worthwhile consideration for users who regularly create and share longer video stories.