EMI has teamed up with Nokia for the trial launch of bFree, an in-store music download service that uses Bluetooth technology to listen to music tracks. First, users need to download software to their handsets that enables them to browse the tracks. Then customers can select and listen to tracks sent to them through Bluetooth's short-range radio system. The companies launched the trial service in three cafés and three music stores in Helsinki. Nokia and EMI plan to charge users for access to the playlists if a commercial offering is launched. bFree works with Series 60 Symbian phones (Nokia's N90 and the Siemens SX1) and Nokia Series 40 phones (the 6060 and the 8800). The program uses CoolZone distribution services to send the tracks.
For more on the new EMI, Nokia offering:
- read this piece from PC World