Sprint works with RealNetworks on iTunes challenge
Harmonizes fragmented music offerings behind common storefront for Android, BlackBerry and Java
Published: 13 April, 2011
READ MORE: US | Sprint Nextel Corporation | App Store | Mobile Content | Android
Sprint has been working hard recently to outwit the web players with its own services for key digital applications - mobile payments, advertising and now music. It has extended its old partnership with Rhapsody to unveil an Android based service, the latest in a long line to try to challenge iTunes.
Sprint Music Plus promises subscribers a single point where they can discover and buy tracks, ringtones and ringbacks. Songs are priced between 69 cents and $1.29 and are DRM-free. The platform is powered by digital entertainment provider RealNetworks, with which Sprint has a six-year alliance. In February 2010, the two companies announced initial plans to "streamline" the cellco's mobile music services behind a unified storefront.
This is one of the most heavyweight apps in the Sprint Zone, part of the carrier's rejuvenated mobile software strategy for Android. BlackBerry and Java handset users can also buy music from a homescreen link, while older featurephones (launched before May 2010) have to use the mobile web. In all cases, purchases are charged to the user's bill.
Sprint initially worked with RealNetworks to offer mobile access to its Rhapsody radio and music services, but until recently relied on white label provider Groove Mobile (later acquired by Livewire) to power the Sprint Music Store.
More US News
More SPRINT NEXTEL CORPORATION News
More APP STORE News
COMMENTS
Carrier Broadband Performance: Africa & Middle East
Carriers are using mobile broadband as their weapon of choice in the fight against the commoditization of voice and falling ARPU. This...
Voice over LTE: Market Analysis and Forecasts
VoLTE offer unique advantages in lowering a carrier's voice infrastructure economics and promises to improve voice quality, device...
Satellite Phones: Will Dual Mode Help the Phoenix Rise from the Ashes?
Satellite phones have followed an arduous path since their much-hyped launch more than a decade ago. The hype was followed by an e...
