PALO ALTO, Calif.-Radio operator Infinity Broadcasting will team with Hewlett-Packard Co. to offer an interactive music broadcast for U.S. wireless users.
The service, called Visual Radio, will deliver local FM radio and text and graphic information including song titles, artists and concert dates to mobile phones. Subscribers could also use the service to buy tickets, ringtones and other content.
Nokia Corp. is building phones to support the application, which it developed. Visual Radio was first deployed in European markets last year, with content being provided by radio station operators including Virgin Radio in the United Kingdom and the Finnish Kiss FM.
HP is offering the service to both broadcasters and mobile operators, although it has yet to reach a deal with a carrier. “Mobile phones are the most widely used portable device, and we’re thrilled to be leading the Visual Radio effort in the United States in concert with HP and Nokia,” said Joel Hollander, chief executive officer of Infinity.
The announcement is the latest in a rush to bring streaming music services to wireless users. Last week, Clear Channel announced plans to deliver mobile broadcasts by the end of the year, and startup MSpot launched 13 channels of FM-quality streaming music and talk on Sprint PCS earlier this month.
