RealAudio is a digital audio format developed by RealNetworks in the mid-1990s. It was designed for streaming audio over the internet, allowing users to listen to music and other audio content without needing to download large files. This technology was particularly popular during the early days of online media, as it enabled faster playback and reduced buffering times. The format uses a compression technique that reduces file sizes while maintaining sound quality, making it suitable for low-bandwidth connections. Over time, RealAudio evolved to support various audio qualities and bit rates, but it has since been largely replaced by more modern streaming technologies and formats.