-
Shazam Launches iPhone App
Mobile music discovery specialist Shazam has released a native version of its mobile application for the iPhone. The application is available now on the Apple App Store. Shazam fully integrates with and complements the iPhone, allowing users to seamlessly discover, buy and share tunes simply by holding their iPhone up to a music system for just a few seconds.
[via Mobile Marketing]
-
EU Says 80% of European Ringtone Websites Break the Law
The European Union's Consumer Commissioner, Meglena Kuneva has today announced the results of an EU-wide investigation into websites offering mobile phone services such as ring-tones and wallpapers. The enquiry, which was carried out on more than 500 websites across the 27 Member States along with Norway and Iceland, found that 80% of the sites checked need to be further investigated for suspected breaches of EU consumer rules. Many of the websites target children and young people.
[via Cellular News]
-
SendMe to let users use Warner entertainment songs on cell phones
SendMe Mobile, a San Francisco cell phone content provider, closed a deal with Warner Music Group to use the entertaiment firm's properties in a variety of mobile platforms on Wednesday.
SendMe lets users send content from the web to mobile phones. Thousands of new ringtones, videos and wallpaper images -- from Madonna to Fleetwood Mac -- are now available to SendMe users.
[via SF Business Times]
-
Local musicians eye cards as new way to sell tunes
A new card-driven download system is what Soundtrax backers hope becomes as ubiquitous as CDs for sale at concerts and coffeehouses across the country. Deluth News Tribune reports."The idea is to create something tangible musicians can sell after performances, as increasingly music becomes bought and sold as MP3 downloads.
... An artist can pay $500 for 1,000 cards, and space on Soundtrax servers for their songs. ... This method provides a cheaper alternative for selling songs, Volna said.
And because there is no digital rights management — unlike with iTunes — the song can be downloaded and copied or burned onto CDs or MP3 players.
The shift away from CDs continues growing, as new generations accustomed to computers and songs on MP3s become buyers."
-
Ringtone websites’ hidden charges ‘exploiting’ children
More than 90% of websites selling ringtones for mobile phones to children and teenagers are misleading them with unclear charges and confusing information, an investigation by the European commission has found. The Sunday Times Online reports."The tactics include signing up users to subscriptions when they believe they are downloading one-off tunes and using free offers to lure them into long-term paid contracts.
Brussels is to announce this week that it will launch inquiries into dozens of British ringtone websites, in addition to many others across Europe."
-
Airport scans for illegal downloads on iPods, mobile phones and laptops
iPods, mobile phones and laptops could be examined by airport customs officials for illegal downloads under strict new counterfeiting measures being considered by G8 governments this week, it is claimed. The Telegraph reports."The measures form part of an international agreement aimed at stamping out piracy, but there are fears that individuals who have illegally downloaded songs or video clips on to MP3 players and phones for personal use could also be caught out.
They coincide with plans by the European Parliament for Internet Service Providers to be held liable if their users download illegal content, and in extreme cases, forced to disconnect people who are doing so."
Image from PCWorld
-
Growth remains slow for mobile music services
According to Forrester Research, U.S. music fans purchased $1.7 billion worth of music downloads in 2007 (singles and albums combined) but spent only $249 million on subscription services.
While the firm projects download revenue to surge 65 percent this year to $2.8 billion, it expects subscription revenue to climb a far more modest 15 percent to $287 million.
[via Reuters]
-
Olympic Team USA Soundtrack from AT&T
To inspire and support the U.S. Olympic Team at this year’s summer games AT&T will record a soundtrack with some of today’s top talent.Team USA Soundtrack will include music from 3 Doors Down, Army of Me, Colbie Caillat, Clique Girlz, Sheryl Crow, Flipsyde, Lady Antebellum, Mere, Nelly and Kate Voegele.
Music can also be accessed at att.net and through NBCOlympics.com. Proceeds from the tracks will benefit Team USA.
[via Mobile Crunch]
-
MEPs back contested telecoms plan
European politicians have voted in favour of amendments to telecoms law which campaigners say could be used to curb privacy online and file-sharing.The BBC reports."Digital rights groups in Europe have formed a loose coalition to highlight their opposition to the amendments.
But MEPs have denied that the amendments are aimed at throwing file-sharers off the net. MEP Malcolm Harbour, who helped oversee the so-called Telecoms Package, said it was "about improving users' rights".
... But campaigners say one of the amendments - which could allow governments to decide which software can be used on the web - makes it easier to enforce the controversial "three strikes" law which the music industry is keen to use in order to clamp down on file-sharers."
-
EMI and Infospace Reach Settlement on Ringtone Royalties Lawsuit
EMI has settled its ringtone royalties lawsuit with Infospace reports MocoNews, though the terms were not disclosed. "It did disclose the settlement in an SEC filing late yesterday. Infospace was sued by the music label in early 2007, to the tune of $100 million for underpaying royalties on using its music for ringtones.
... EMI’s publishing also alleged InfoSpace was selling expressly restricted songs, such as John Lennon’s “Imagine,” and selling ringtones in worldwide markets where it had not been granted license. Since then Infospace has closed down or disposed off its mobile content related businesses."
