Nokia wants all four major music labels to join its “Comes With Music” program before the official launch, which is scheduled to take place before the end of the year.
The first two to team up with the world’s largest manufacturer of mobile phones were Universal Music, who unveiled the deal in December 2007, and Sony BMG Music Entertainment, an agreement that was made public in April this year.
But only two music labels was just not enough for Nokia, and on July 1, Nokia also confirmed Warner Music Group’s participation to “Comes With Music” initiative. EMI currently remains the only major record company not part of the deal, but things might change before the end of the year.
With a huge catalogue at its disposal, Nokia hopes to expand more if other labels agree to join in. furthermore, the “Comes With Music” program is a major challenge to Apple’s iTunes, and one big step ahead in fighting piracy and low CD sales.
The Finnish mobile phone manufacturer will offer “Comes With Music” customers a handset and one year of unlimited access to music; after that, customers will be able to keep their music downloads, as well as purchase new ones from the Nokia Music Store.
Tero Ojanperä, executive vice president and head of the Nokia Entertainment and Communities Business, said about the “Comes With Music” initiative that it is an innovation that not only helps people discover and enjoy music, but also expands the overall business and revenue for the benefit of artists, labels and other right holders.
Nokia devices compatible with the new, probably revolutionary service include the N95 and the N81. The latter, considered a “multimedia computer”, boasts with dedicated music and gaming keys, 3.5 mm headphone connector and 3G and WLAN connectivity.
Nokia wants to be more than the biggest cell phone manufacturer in the world. The Finnish phone-maker wants to be more like an Internet company, which could even rival at some point with already consecrated names in the Internet industry, such as Apple, Google and Microsoft.