BASKING RIDGE, N.J.-Verizon Wireless touted the “sideloading” functionality of its mobile music service, unveiling an application designed to make it easier for Vcast Music subscribers to manage their libraries on PCs and mobile phones.
The offering is a shot back at Cingular Wireless L.L.C.’s new subscription-based offering, which emphasizes streaming music and sideloading but has yet to include an over-the-air download component. Verizon Wireless is hoping to lure music lovers through its $1 PC downloads that can then be transferred to a phone; the operator charges $2 for mobile downloads.
The new software, which was developed by Smith Micro Software Inc., is available free on Verizon Wireless’ Web site to new and existing Vcast subscribers.
Analysts continue to debate the viability of over-the-air download services. While both Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel Corp. claim to be gaining traction, onlookers are skeptical most consumers will pay twice as much or more for a mobile download.
Verizon Wireless touts ‘sideloading’ with new software
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