Atrinsic Acquires Ringtone.com

Atrinsic, a premier Internet media and mobile entertainment company, today announced that it has acquired the assets of Ringtone.com, a popular mobile entertainment destination for downloadable mobile content and a highly valuable Internet domain which receives more than 1,000 signups per day.

[via Centre Daily Times]

Protest against use of national anthem ringtones

People who have downloaded the Indian national anthem ‘Jana-gana-mana-adhinayaka, jaya he’ as their caller tune or ringtone may be in trouble, following an objection alleging disrespect, reports the Deccan Chronicle via the ITExaminer.

"Patriotic tunes are widely used in India without causing offence. ...However, rules state that when the national anthem is being sung, all present must stand up and remain so until it is over.

India has always been conservative about the use of its national emblem and flag and other symbols. It is only recently that India allowed the public to use its flag. However it cautions that such use should not amount to disrespect."

Kid Rock boycotts iTunes over pay

US music star Kid Rock is refusing to put his albums on iTunes because he says artists do not get paid enough for downloads from the Apple store. The BBC reports

"Kid Rock is one of the last few acts not fully signed up to the service.

He said it was based on "an old system, where iTunes takes the money, the record company takes the money, and they don't give it to the artists". "

Who is behind your (ringtone) choices?

Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein in a new book, Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness, are interested in how "choice architects" influence the decisions we make in our daily lives and how the cumulative weight of those decisions impacts society. The Philidalphie Inquirer reports

It's a very interesting article, and ringtones are only used as one of many examples, but it's such a good read I've included here.

"Who is a "choice architect?" Anyone in government or the private sector who establishes the context in which we encounter decision-making moments. For example, while it's easy to customize the ringtone on your cell phone, many people don't bother, opting to simply use the default tone. Thus the person who created the default setting is a choice architect and was subtly influencing ringtone choice.

... The theory of Nudge is that consumers aren't perfect economic engines and that they will often make choices that aren't necessarily good for them - buying the cookie right next to the cash register in the cafeteria, for example. But Thaler and Sunstein argue that systems can be designed where people still have freedom of choice, but context nudges them into making better decisions. And these better individual choices can add up to better societal outcomes."

iPhone 3G

iPhone 3G coverage. Where are the ringtones?

Camila Goes Mobile With Verizon Wireless

Camila, the hottest group in Latin music right now, is launching their first headlining U.S. tour with a 17-city schedule that kicked off in Miami, on June 6. This Latin sensation, whose albums have sold in excess of 800,000 units worldwide, has joined forces with Verizon Wireless to further connect with fans via mobile technology.

Verizon Wireless customers who download Camila's content via their V CAST-enabled handsets will have a chance to win a pair of tickets sent directly to their phones. These mobile tickets will be their entry into the show. Others may purchase tickets at traditional outlets. For more information go to www.camilaenconcierto.com.

And Verizon Wireless will deliver six Camila songs exclusively to V CAST Music customers. These songs are not available anywhere else in the U.S. and can be downloaded over-the-air directly to fans' phones as a full-song download, a ringtone or ringback tone.

[via Fox Business]

Google Sued For Tricking Ringtone Seekers

Ads that trick consumers into signing up for subscriptions by promising "free" ringtones have sparked a wave of enforcement actions in the last year and resulted in large fines for companies like AzoogleAds and AT&T.

Now such ads have landed search giant Google in federal court in California, where it's facing a lawsuit for allegedly showing users pay-per-click ads that tricked searchers into signing up for paid subscription services.

[via Mediapost]

Radiohead songs finally on iTunes

Radiohead's back catalogue has appeared on iTunes, making them one of the last high-profile bands to put their body of work on Apple's leading download store.

The band's first six studio albums are now available alongside their latest, In Rainbows, which appeared in January. Radiohead previously wanted fans to download only full albums.

... The Beatles are now the only remaining major British band whose music is not on the service."

[via the BBC]

AT&T settles cell phone fee suit

AT&T wireless subscribers who were hoodwinked into signing up for recurring charges for ringtones and other content will receive refunds as part of a class action settlement.

Customers will get refunds for charges that appeared on their bills between January 1, 2004, and May 30, 2008

[via News.com]

Usher Becomes Sony Ericsson Spokesman

Billboard announced yesterday Usher has inked a deal with Sony Ericsson to became the spokesman for the company’s new Walkman music phone to be released later this year. Blend Music reports.

"AT&T customers will have “access to exclusive content, contests to meet Usher on a video shoot and the chance to win VIP tickets for the artist's North American tour later this year.” "

Mobile music video service Napster Clips debuts in Japan

Napster has just launched its first mobile music video service, Napster Clips in Japan.

This new service puts a premium on unlimited access to a high-quality digital video service that would complement Napster’s music subscription service. In partnership with Japan’s NTT Docomo, Napster is offering this service via the mobile operator’s new N960IL onefone mobile handset.

[via Gadgetell]

Chinese Ringtone Seller A8.com Files For IPO

A8.com, which mainly sells ringtones and other digital music to mobile phone subscribers in China, has filed for an initial public offering on the Hong Kong exchange to raise about $28 million (217 million Hong Kong dollars), reports China Web 2.0 Review via The Washington Post.

Napster rolls out MP3 store in challenge to iTunes

Napster on Tuesday opened the world's biggest MP3 download store with more than 6 million songs in a direct challenge to Apple Inc's iTunes store, reports Reuters.

"The new Web-based music store will have digital songs from all major music labels as well as thousands of independent labels.

The MP3-format songs will be compatible with the vast majority of digital media devices and mobile phones including Apple's popular iPod as well as its iPhone."

Nokia launches new digital music store in Sweden

Nokia announced today that the Nokia Music Store in Sweden has gone live.

With millions of tracks from major artists, independent labels, and up-and-coming Swedish acts, the Nokia Music Store let's people enjoy music directly on their Nokia device or personal computer.

[via Just ANother Mobile Phone Blog]

Apple Wants More Mobile Music From Labels

As part of Apple’s efforts to improve on the shortcomings of its popular iPhone, the company has approached some of the major music labels to try to expand the variety of ringtones and other musical features available on the device, several label executives said last week. Bits Blog reports.

“They want a big launch in June,” said one label executive familiar with the discussions. That executive said that a deal may come after June 9, when Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs speaks to the company’s developers conference, a logical date for the introduction of the next generation of iPhone.

An Apple spokesman declined to comment on the company’s plans."

Metallica will let their fans in on their recording process

Metallica will let their fans in on their recording process with Mission : Metallica

Fans who sign up for Mission Metallica Platimun will get more goodies, including ringtones.

[via idolator]

Sprint Nextel sued for mobile content charges

Sprint Nextel Corp. is facing a lawsuit claiming it's charging its customers for ringtones, sports scores and other services that the phone's owner didn't approve.

The case, filed by California resident James Peetz, joins several dozen similar lawsuits filed across the country against some of the nation's largest mobile phone providers.

[via The Hays Daily News]

Global campaign to warn school children about illegla music downloading

The charity Childnet is launching a global information campaign to warn children about the potential dangers of downloading music illegally. The BBC reports.

"The campaign, which is supported by the music industry, will distribute a pocket-sized guide to schools and colleges in 21 countries.

Childnet says the risks include breach of copyright, the threat of viruses and the loss of privacy and security. "

Free music may cripple Nokia financially

Nokia's "Comes With Music" program, offering those who purchase Nokia phones nearly unlimited free access to a large music database, could cost the company more than it would make.

According to The Register, Nokia would be responsible for footing the bill for downloads that exceed the estimated limit of 35 songs per user, charged wholesale per unit. The move reportedly pressured Ed Averdieck, former Managing Director of Nokia Music, to leave his position.

[via electronista

Digital Procuts/iPOD Tax

Tennessee Republicans are raising the alarm about a new tax proposal they say the Bredesen administration is formulating, reports WDEF News 12.

"They say the Department of Revenue is considering a Digital Procuts/iPOD Tax.

An analysis by a Nashville law firm claims that it would make digital purchases of movies, music, news and entertainment programs, ringtones, and electronic books subject to the retail sales tax."

Digital Products/iPOD Tax. The Bill contains sweeping legislation that would subject downloaded sales of digital media, including music videos, motion pictures, news and entertainment programs, music, ringtones, electronic books, etc. to the retail sales tax. Under current law digitally delivered goods are not taxable unless delivered in a tangible form.

Nokia Music Store France goes live

Nokia Conversations reports on the opening today of the French Nokia Music Store.

"The opening follows yesterday's launch of the Nokia Music Store in Australia and the recent launches earlier this month in Ireland and the Netherlands.

Over 2.5 million tracks will be available from EU1 each or EU10 ($1.59) per album. Users are also able to subscribe for EU10 ($15.89) per month to get unlimited access to the music of their choice.

Like the other stores, the French edition includes music from local artists. Local music makes up 60 per cent of the songs in the French 'Hit Parade'.

Free music will also be on offer to users every week to help new artists get discovered."

Apple Considering 'Free' Access to iTunes Library

Apple is talking with the major record labels about a change in the iTunes Store business model that would give customers free access to the store's complete music library, according to The Financial Times. The catch is that consumers would pay a premium for Apple's iPod and iPhone devices.

[via Mobile tech Today]

Is the taxman eyeing iTunes?

MacWorld on how California narrowly avoided a digital tax and how the fight is far from over.

"This week, a controversial proposal in the California State Assembly that would have extended the state’s sales tax to include digital downloads of media such as books, movies, and music (including ringtones) was narrowly defeated in a hearing of that body’s budget committee.

... Assemblyman Calderon estimated that the additional taxes from downloads which would also cover the immensely lucrative digital pornography market—could bring $500 million in annual additional revenue into the state of California, which has suffered from significant budget shortfalls in recent years. "

Image fromThe Tax Club.

The new musical univers

Technology developed by Scottish scientists could increase the iPod's capacity so much that it will be able to store up to 125 million songs – almost 400 million minutes of music. Scotsman reports.

"The new components, devised by researchers at Glasgow University, could allow up to 500,000 gigabytes of storage on a microchip about the size of a 2p coin. The largest capacity of the current iPod is just 160Gb.

The new component would give a storage limit which is 3,125 times the current maximum capacity."

Cell phone controlled Jukebox

LocaModa has partnered with Touch Tunes to connect 30,000 jukeboxes to social networks; the jukeboxes are controlled using cell phones.

Patrons can use their mobile phones to interact with flat panel screens driven by the TouchTunes jukebox’s media server.

Applications will feature relevant, fun content such as information about the music playing on the jukebox, user generated content and even patron photos via their social network profiles.

All interactions can also be displayed as data feeds on social networks. Online users will be able to view and participate in the activity at their favorite locations, for example: they can see who has “fanned” the location, who is actually there, what music is currently playing, and they can even “gift” songs to friends at that location.

[via The Web Outside]

Love, Death, and Ringtones

Sarah Ruhl’s latest takes on the metaphysics of cell phones. The Chicago Tribune's review of the play "Dead Man’s Cell Phone".

Apple passes Wal-Mart, now #1 music retailer in US

According to ars technica, Apple is now the #1 music retailer in US.

"The fact that a digital-only retailer has ascended to the top of the sales charts is not unexpected, but it does demonstrate just how much the music landscape has changed since the beginning of the decade.

The NPD Group has been tracking a "sharp increase" in digital downloads over the past several months as physical sales dry up.

According to NPD's research, 48 percent of US teens didn't buy a single CD in 2007, compared to 38 percent in 2006."

Warner Music Pushes ISP Tax For Music Downloads

Warner Music Group is reportedly considering a plan to have Internet service providers add $5 a month to subscribers' bills for unlimited access to music on the Web, reports Information Week.

The plan would provide a way for Warner and other record labels to get some compensation for all the music downloaded illegally, mostly through peer-to-peer networks.

... Fees collected from ISPs could generate $20 billion annually. The money would be divided among artists and copyright holders. As a possible option, people who didn't want to pay the fee could agree to receive advertising."

Nokia confident of reaching music deals

According to the FT, Nokia is increasingly confident of securing deals with the world’s leading record companies ahead of launching its flagship music service for mobile phones later this year.

"In December, Nokia announced plans for its Comes with Music service, under which people will be able to buy mobiles giving them access to Universal Music’s entire back catalogue for up to one year.

Nokia is in talks with the other three leading record companies – Sony BMG, EMI and Warner Music – plus about 10 independent music labels about giving people access to their catalogues.

... Comes with Music, which is expected to launch in the second half of this year, is intended to be one of the cornerstones of Nokia’s expansion into internet services."

Sony BMG developing online music service

The CEO of Sony BMG Music Entertainment says that the company is developing an online music subscription service that would give users unlimited access to its music and be compatible with a host of digital music players.

[via the Associated Press]

EMI aims to join Nokia's Music Offering

EMI said on Wednesday it was in talks with mobile handset maker Nokia to offer its songs as part of Nokia's new "Comes with Music" offering.

" Nokia is set to start selling phones under its "Comes With Music" brand in the second half of 2008, offering unlimited access to millions of songs.

The world's largest music label, Universal, signed up for the program last December."

[via Reuters]

Apple floats idea of subscription iTunes service

Apple is talking to music companies about giving customers free access to its entire iTunes music library in exchange for paying a premium for its iPod and iPhone devices, it has been reported.

The new business model could provide the struggling recorded music industry with a much-needed boost and push demand for a new generation of Apple hardware, the Financial Times reports.

Apple would not comment on the plan, but executives say talks hinge on a dispute over the price the computer maker would be willing to pay for access to music labels' libraries.

The model would be a replica of Nokia's "comes with music" deal with Universal Music."

[via The Sydney Morning Herald]

Disabled Staff Recruited to Sell Ringtones

A new company being set up in Thailand to sell ringtones is to be primarily staffed by seriously disabled employees. [via Cellular News]

"PWD Outsource, a company aimed at employing disabled people has set up the venture which will employ 50 call centre staff to sell ringtones to customers of the Hutchison CAT mobile network by telephone and internet.

The venture will last until the end of June and has been launched as part of a 5th anniversary campaign by the phone company. If the project is a success, there is potential to keep the 50 staff working for the company."

Vodafone customers get Madonna's album a week early

Vodafone customers are to be granted early access to Madonnas new album. "Hard Candy", due to launch globally on April 28th. Pocket-Lint reports.

"Starting on April 21st seven tracks from "Hard Candy" will be released at a rate of one a day counting down the week before the album is available.

Each track will remain live for 24 hours for download before being replaced by the next one.

Vodafone customers will also have access to Madonna's mini site on Vodafone live! which will include one week of exclusive, associated mobile content, including ringtones, ringback tones and SMS tones. "

One Llama launches iPhone music search engine

One Llama has launched a version of its music search site for iPhone. It basically lets you tap in a band and/or song name, and be taken straight to the relevant YouTube video, as well as find similar clips.

“We have mapped our music database of over 1.4 million tracks to online music videos. Now users can not only discover new music, but also where available watch the full length video,” says One Llama’s director of product development Amit Sudharshan.

[via Pocket Picks]

Thumbplay raises $18 million for wireless entertainment

Thumbplay sells ringtones, videos, games and graphic for your cellular phone and claims to have over 43,000 downloadable items. The Inudstry Standard reports.

"Using a credit-based system, Thumbplay keeps transactions simple. For example, all ringtones are simply one credit. The company also offers the option of monthly memberships that allocate credits to users every month and offer special deals."

RingTone Nation CD

Lloyd Page has just released a new CD of ringtones titled "Ringtone Nation". It has 98 ringtones spanning a variety of styles and sounds.

It is currently available only through CD Baby or direct from SummerRain & DragonSong Music but will soon be found at iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, eMusic, etc.

"RingToneNation is 98 distinctive ringtones. Ranging from chimes, bells, and musical interludes to jangly, raucous, spatial, froggy, and just a bit "out there".

The CD includes PC compatible mp3 extras and videos."

[via Press release]

SongNumbers Mobile Music Service

A new mobile music service launched today called Song Numbers that promises to empower artists and record labels with what it calls a critical mass media utility.

The service allows music fans to listen to, share and purchase music from their cell phones. I4U reports.

"The technology behind SongNumbers is patent pending and allows artists to assign a phone number from the SongNumbers.com website to their music and anyone with a cell phone can call the number, preview the track and buy it with the press of a number.

The service requires no software, no players and no DRM. The two carriers offering the service at this time are AT&T and Alltel. "

Nokia launches music TV show

Nokia will air a music TV show with exclusive tracks and out-takes available on Nokia phones and Nokia Music Store. Mobile Entertainment reports.

The Nokia Green Room will run for 15 weeks on Channel 4 from April. It will combine live music performances with reality- style observational TV in a specially created backstage area with hidden mics and remote cameras filming the interaction between acts as they wait to perform live on stage.

... The production company will produce additional interviews, performances and teasers for download exclusively to Nokia mobile devices and for the Nokia Music Store.

Paul McCartney Signs $400 Million iTunes Deal For The Beatles Catalog

Paul McCartney has signed a $400 million deal, which will see the Beatles catalog make its way to iTunes, at long last.

[via Gizmodo]

Nokia opens online music store in Germany

Nokia opened on Monday its online music store in Germany, the second such store for the world's largest cellphone maker, which plans to open the stores in nine more countries by mid-2008.

Nokia's German music store will charge 1 euro ($1.52) per track, compared with the largest online music retailer Apple's (AAPL.O) iTunes' 0.99 euros charge.

[via Reuters]

After AT&T, other US operators under ringtone scheme investigation

In four short years, the ringtone industry has emerged from nowhere and has become a billion-dollar market. And just as fast, scam artists found a way to tap into the line. That's what's behind a major settlement of a fraud investigation announced yesterday by Florida attorney general Bill McCollum, and it will impact cell phone customers nationwide. CBS News reports.

"... AT&T isn't the only company that's gotten in trouble. According to investigators, the other major cell phone companies, ringtone providers and their advertisers use strikingly similar tactics.

As one observer put it: it's as if they've all gotten together at a ringtone convention to share the tactics of the scheme. That's why the Florida Attorney General also announced today that investigations are beginning into Verizon, Sprint/Nextel, Alltell and T-Mobile.

Look for those companies to quickly try to get the monkey off their back by making quick settlements and agreeing to follow AT&T's lead in changing their ways.

For customers: it's all good. As far as restitution if you live outside of Florida or are using a company other than AT&T: try filing a complaint with not only your phone company but also the FCC online at fcc.gov. "

AT&T Agrees To Reimburse Fla Customers For Misleading Charges

The nation's largest cell phone carrier has agreed to pay thousands of Florida consumers who were billed for services like ringtones and text messaging that were advertised as free. Money CNN reports.

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum announced the settlement with AT&T Mobility, a unit of AT&T.

The agreement allows consumers to seek refunds for the fraudulent billing, so the amount the Atlanta-based company will pay will depend on how many customers do so.

Officials in the attorney general's office say the amount could be in the tens of millions of dollars."

Ringtone bid to woo exotic birds

Staff at a Wearside nature reserve have been using a mobile phone to encourage two South American birds to mate. The BBC reports.

Washington Wetland centre is home to a pair of crested screamers, which use their distinctive calls to mark their territory and attract a mate.

However, the centre's birds have shown no interest in mating.

A recording of a screamer's call has now been downloaded from the internet onto a phone and is being played to the birds in a bid to get them in the mood.

Warden Owen Joiner said: "They're a prehistoric species and this is reflected in the way that they move - everything happens at an incredibly slow pace. "

Thumbplay Partners With Sony BMG For Mobile Content

New York-based Thumbplay said it now has distribution agreements with three of the top four record labels with the latest addition of Sony. MocoNews reports.

"The new partnership adds about 7,000 pieces of content to its catalog of more than 80,000 ringtones, wallpapers, games and videos.

The company already had relationships with EMI and Universal Music Group. With the addition of Sony BMG, Thumbplay has access to content from artists such as Dido, Michael Jackson, Chris Brown and Alicia Keys.