Acquisition adds speech-rec to Gracenote’s song-ID service

Gracenote expanded on its offerings with the acquisition of interactive voice response technology from Musicphone Inc.
The Emeryville, Calif.-based firm said the platform allows music fans to dial a short code and play a snippet of music into the handset to receive information about the tune and how to purchase related content. Gracenote powers a similar service for Sony Ericsson devices, but that offering does not use IVR technology.
The acquisition also adds AT&T Mobility and Virgin Mobile to Gracenote’s customer base. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“The entertainment and wireless industries are experiencing rapid convergence and are looking for ways to integrate, monetize and deliver the best mobile media services in a simple and compelling package,” said Gracenote SVP Jim Hollingsworth. “We’re integrating valuable IVR and commerce technology from Musicphone to enhance our mobile media platform and provide further e-commerce opportunities.”