Microsoft launches mobile music service

by Arif Durrani, mediaweek.co.uk 21-Jan-09, 11:10

LONDON - Microsoft continues to invest in music content with the launch of a new download service on MSN Mobile today that enables users to buy and download videos and tracks from thousands of artists via their mobiles.

The download service marks the first time music has been available from MSN Mobile, which has provided users access to e-mail, news, search and weather since its launch 12 months ago.

From today, UK consumers can download more than one million tracks, 25,000 realtones and 10,000 music videos from artists such as Franz Ferdinand, Britney Spears and Pink across the world's major record labels, including Sony Music and Warner Music.

The content licences and technical platform for MSN Mobile Music is being provided through a partnership with VidZone Digital Media and builds upon the existing relationship the companies have with Microsoft's Xbox Live service and the MSN Video portal.

The new service aims to compete with Apple's iTunes, with full tracks costing £1.50, Realtones £3 and music videos £2.

Charges will appear on the user's monthly bill in the case of post-pay, or debited direct from pre-pay customers' balances.

Hugh Griffiths, director of MSN Mobile UK, said: "With more than 130 handsets having access to the music store from day one, this is an exciting proposition that for the first time provides consumers a network agnostic service, with a vast array of new and old music from major music labels."