 Nokia announced plans this week to incorporate a subscription service called "Comes with Music" in their phones. What's interesting is the partner in this whole deal with Nokia is Universal - the driving force of a similar plan called Total Music. Ok....So what the heck does that have to do with Zune, you say? Well....read on....
Unlimited FREE Downloads! You may have read about it a while ago. Microsoft was approached by Universal to discuss the possibility of incorporating a similar plan with Zune. The announcement by Nokia now makes all the rumors and behind-the-scenes talk a reality and something Zune may see. What is Total Music and 'Comes with Music'? Well, buyers of certain Nokia phones (it's unclear if all Nokia phones) will have access to the entire Universal Music library for a full year. There are some downsides to the deal. It's reported once the year's up, you must purchase a new device to continue listening, and the songs will be DRM'd and won't be able to be burned to CD or sync'd to any other device. It's unclear how the cost will trickle down to consumers; whether the device will have the added service cost tacked on, or if Nokia will eat the cost. While it's still left to be seen if Microsoft will team up with Universal and offer a Zune based service similar to the Nokia plan, it's looking like the ball is now rolling on the Total Music idea. Major labels Warner and Sony BMG are also reported to be looking to join Universal in Total Music. The Nokia 'Comes with Music' plan is scheduled to be available in the second half of 2008. But how about you? Would you pay $60 more for a Zune that had free unlimited downloads? We've got a poll up in the forums for your thoughts and opinions. And does that Nokia phone image have a background that's a little too familiar? [READ: Gizmodo and Gizmodo part 2] [READ: The New York Times] |
