Sony Ericsson Plans Music Store, Pushes DRM-Free Options

Sony Ericsson recently announced plans to deliver a broader music store offering, a move that closely follows entrances from both Nokia and Vodafone in the UK. Sony Ericsson is not planning its release until the spring of next year, according to information disclosed Monday. The mobile music heavyweight will offer a total of five million songs, licensed from major labels and various independents. Sony Ericsson also noted that a "majority" of its store will feature DRM-free content, though obvious licensing issues remain.

The store represents a broadening of PlayNow, an initiative that currently offers ringtones, themes, wallpapers, games, and a limited selection of full-track, over-the-air (OTA) downloads. The upcoming store will be multi-platform, a more common approach to mobile music commerce. Currently, PlayNow is planted in 32 countries, according to the company. The stepped-up, "PlayNow Arena" represents the next phase of the vision, which first started in 2004 as a ringtone-focused preview and purchasing concept.

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MTV Rolls Out a Mobile-Music Venture

Joins with Real Networks, Verizon for iTunes Challenger

By Andrew Hampp

Published: August 21, 2007

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- Two years after launching iTunes competitor Urge, with Microsoft, MTV Networks has a new partner in Real Networks. The two unveiled today a joint venture called Rhapsody America, which also includes mobile partner Verizon Wireless. The deal brings what MTV hopes will prove to be a unique element to the mobile-music space, and will help differentiate itself from the likes of Apple's iPhone and Zune, the portable music device Microsoft launched just months after its Urge partnership.

No PC connection needed
Like iTunes, Rhapsody America will allow users to download MP3 files to their PC for 99 cents. But unlike the iPhone or Zune, which require connection to a PC, users will be able to purchase music for their Verizon V Cast-enabled phones on-the-go -- meaning they can hear the latest Justin Timberlake song on their phone directly without having to plug anything into their computer first. Users will also have the option of "dual delivery," or the ability to download to their PCs as well as to their phones, via Verizon's V Cast music, a partnership previously existed with the MTV Networks' Urge program.

MTV serves as the content provider for the joint venture through its preexisting relationships with record labels for streaming music videos on V Cast. Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks Music & Logo Group, said in a statement, "It's like we've put the best lead singer, drummer and guitarist all on the same giant stage, allowing music fans to experience the purest music play in any way they want."

The pay model for Rhapsody America will mirror the ones already in place for Urge and Rhapsody, said an MTV spokeswoman. Individual MP3s will cost 99 cents, while unlimited monthly subscriptions will remain at $9.95 for PC-only, or $14.95 for "PC to go," which includes mobile. Music videos will continue to be available for free streaming.

Promotional spots announcing Rhapsody America will begin airing on MTV next week, with additional spots and integrations airing throughout the Video Music Awards on Sept. 9.

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Universal Music Proclaims OTA Download Record

Universal Music Group is now hoisting a full-track, over-the-air (OTA) download record, one that unsurprisingly comes from Asia. The accomplishment, reached last week, was delivered by an anonymous group of Japanese medical students known as GreeeeN. The act, signed to Universal Music Japan, sold one million OTA copies of their third single, "Aiuta," which roughly translates into "Love Song". According to Universal, the track is also available in a number of other mobile configurations, including ringtones, ringback tones, and video ringtones. In total, the collection has drawn three million sales.

The development highlights the extreme geographical differences found in the mobile music market. The sales performance of GreeeeN comes alongside a whole-hearty embrace of mobile music formats in Japan and throughout Asia. That has enriched providers like KDDI, NTT DoCoMo, and a number of well-planted mobile operators. Elsewhere, Europe has also experienced success, though the sales story is far more subdued than its Asian counterpart. And reactions in the United States have been mostly soft, prompting carriers like Sprint to lower pricing dramatically.

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Warner Music Brokers Further Into Chinese Mobile Market

Warner Music Group has now expanded its presence within the Chinese mobile multimedia market, thanks to a partnership with Global Music International. The Beijing-based Global offers mobile content to a client list that includes massive operator China Unicom. The Warner deal focuses on mobile-focused assets like ringtones, ringback tones, and full-track OTAs, according to information disclosed by both parties on Wednesday. "We see this agreement as an important part of our overall strategy to extend our strategic relationships in China, encourage product innovation, find new ways for our artists to connect with their fans, and develop new revenue streams," said Ken Cheung, vice president of New Media and Business Development at Warner Music Asia Pacific.

Incidentally, Warner finalized an agreement with China Unicom in June of last year, though the Global Music International distribution deal broadens access to other Chinese networks. Earlier, Global finalized a similar arrangement with Sony BMG, one that revolves around comparable assets and bolsters the Unicom pact. Elsewhere, both Warner Music and Sony BMG announced a joint venture initiative in January of this year, part of a larger plan to broaden secure delivery platforms within China and other Asian markets.

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T-Mobile Spins UK-Based, Dual Download OTA Offering

T-Mobile is now offering UK subscribers an over-the-air, dual download service, according to an announcement issued last week. The service includes 500,000 tracks, all priced at 1 pound ($2.02). Like most other over-the-air services, separate downloads will be delivered to both the handheld and PC, a dual delivery concept that ensures compatibility across multiple platforms. The Mobile Jukebox concept features 500,000 tracks from all four majors, as well as key independents like V2 and Beggars Banquet. The company promised compatibility across a range of more than 30 devices, and delivery on both 2.5G and 3G delivery networks. Additionally, the service can be tapped by both monthly and pay-as-you-go subscribers. T-Mobile is offering five free tracks to new subscribers through July.

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