December 16, 2005
Digital music store set to create waves
Move over iTunes Music Store! a new independent online music store has began its operation by offering new songs from local performers, including some of the more obscure acts from India's remotest regions. From The Jakarta Post.
"The online music store IM:port, which stands for Independent Music Portal, began its operation on Nov. 25, offering over 1,000 copy protected tunes for customers to download. Each song is priced at Rp 5,000 (50 US cents), slightly cheaper than the 79 US cents offered by Apple's iTunes.
But unlike music from iTunes which can be played on an iPod, songs from IM:port are only playable on cellular phones, after customers download them from an online store or vending machine.
One vending machine provides -- similar to those available at every mall in the city which sell ringtones or wallpaper for bored cell phone users -- a screen from which customers can choose songs. With a blue tooth connection, cell phone users can download songs from the vending machine.
Songs can also be downloaded using a short message service (SMS) to IM:port number and buyers will be given a code to play the selected songs. The cost for downloading the song will be automatically deducted from the buyer's credit.
Songs cannot be downloaded directly to a personal computer, as such a method would encourage piracy."
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