Nokia to launch iTunes challenger

A service that will allow you to download music directly to your mobile phone has been announced by mobile handset manufacturer Nokia.

Newly-launched Nokia handsets such as the N81 and N95 will be able to log in directly to the Nokia Music Store to browse for new music, which will cost one euro (about 68p) per track.

In addition to this, the tracks will also be available to download to your PC in Windows Media Audio (WMA) format.

"You can select from a huge range of music, including local music from your country, and download it directly to your Nokia device," said Tommi Mustonen, the head of Nokia's music activities.

As well as buying the music, you can sample it by streaming tracks you are interested in to your PC so you can listen to them.

"The unlimited streaming is a great way to discover new music and the integrated mobile and PC download service is a fantastic way to build a music collection that is always with you," said Mustonen.

The store will open some time in the autumn, according to Nokia.

Analyst Mark Mulligan of Jupiter Research said that Nokia would need to find a unique angle for the service or face being muscled out of the market by iTunes and other competitors.

"The service is competing in an overly crowded market place that is dominated by Apple. To compete effectively, Nokia needs to differentiate," said Mulligan.

http://music.nokia.com

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