iPods: us | uk | iPod history
As is widely known, Fadell and his team used a version of a microprocessor for cellphones, and relied on software licensed from Pixo, a cellphone software developer founded by Paul Mercer, another former Apple employee.
The Times article notes that RealNetworks had been trying to develop digital music products based on the company's RealPlayer. But Fadell lasted only six weeks at the company because he "did not see eye to eye with Glaser, the chief executive." As a result, Glaser might have let an iPod-like hit product "slip through his fingers."