Sony Ericsson set to launch Apple iPhone rival next year

Service will enable users to download songs directly to their phone

Sony Ericsson has confirmed plans to launch a new mobile music service it hopes will rival Apple's iPhone and Nokia's Comes With Music service.

PlayNow Plus will allow users to download music directly to their phone without using a computer. It will be feature on future Sony Ericsson Walkman handsets.

PlayNow plus will be powered by Omnifone, a provider of music downloads for mobile network operators including Vodafone.

Unlike Nokia's Comes With Music service, licensing terms for PlayNow Plus allow users to download DRM-free tracks from artists associated with the 'big four' major labels (Universal Music Group, Sony BMG, EMI Music and Warner Music Group), plus some independent labels.

PlayNow Plus mobiles will come pre-loaded with 1,000 free tracks, while the 'Keep Your Favourites' option enables users to keep a high number of tracks once their contract with Sony Ericsson ends.

The service will launch in the UK some time next year.

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Comments (3)

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whatawasteoftime

Sep 25, 2008

It'll be absolute shite just like every other failed iPhone ripoff!

cougarmicrobes

Sep 26, 2008

dont knock it til you try it. Ive got MusicStation on my phone right now from the same guys who are making this and its pretty cool. Though i still like to have a physical copy of my music its also nice to be able to listen to any track i want on the go within minutes. Besides, the iphone is overrated

whatawasteoftime

Sep 26, 2008

People who diss the iPhone must be masochists because they clearly enjoy horribly designed, poorly performing products. Just get an iPhone and you won't have to pretend any more. Join the happy people and leave the morons to their bitching!