SANTA CLARA, Calif.-Internet-based digital radio network Mercora said it is bringing its user-contributed streaming audio service to Windows Mobile-based handhelds.
The company launched IM Radio Mobile v1.0, featuring more than 20,000 commercial-free radio channels, near-CD quality sound and instant messaging and chat capabilities. The service is free for Mercora subscribers who pay $48 per year or $5 per month for the Web-based service.
“IM Radio gives people instant access to a huge network of music, social inter-activity features and audio quality that is superior to XM or digital radio,” said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group. “The cell-phone carriers and Windows Mobile device manufacturers are looking for a way to get in on the XM radio and the iPod craze, and Mercora provides a compelling way to provide rich audio content to users.”
Meanwhile, Seattle-based mobile music provider Melodeo launched a storefront with Rogers Wireless, allowing subscribers of the Canadian carrier to purchase and download full-length tracks to their PCs or wireless phones. The Rogers MusicStore offers full songs from Universal Music and Warner Music, and ringtones from Universal, Warner and EMI Recorded Music.
Song downloads range from $1.25 to $2, and the storefront is accessible to users with a Motorola V551, Motorola V220, Nokia 6620 and Nokia 3220. Only the Nokia 6620 can receive the music downloads initially, however.
The an-nouncement marks Melodeo’s entry to the North American market.
“We’re delighted to be the first carrier in North America to put full-track, original recordings into the palms of (our subscribers’) hands, wherever they are,” said Rob Bruce, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Rogers Wireless.
