Sony BMG music now in Nokia phones

HELSINKI, FINLAND: Nokia, the world's leading mobile phone maker, said that music company Sony BMG had agreed to join Nokia's music service programme, giving Nokia device users access to music published by Sony BMG.

The Nokia Comes With Music programme will give Nokia cellular owners the possibility to download unlimited music from various artists on their mobile phones and computers during the first year they own their Nokia device.

"Sony BMG Music Entertainment has officially joined Nokia Comes With Music, a revolutionary way for people to discover and enjoy music with their Nokia device," Nokia said in a statement.

After the first 12 months, Nokia customers get to keep the music they downloaded and can either buy new music or sign a subscription for unlimited access.

Previously, Universal Music Group International had said it would offer its music through the Finnish company's music platform, Nokia Music Store. Nokia also said it was in discussion with other international labels.

The mobile phone maker said it expected to launch its music service in the second half of 2008 on a range of Nokia devices in selected markets.

The Finnish company, whose devices sell well in emerging markets such as China, India and Latin America, is trying ensure future success by expanding from mere phonemaking into mobile phone software and services.

Nokia has long been struggling in the US markets and the new music service is seen as attempt to fight Apple's popular iPhone, launched last June.

Source: AFP