Home Coming Up Now Major Labels Launch iTunes Competitor..

Now Major Labels Launch iTunes Competitor..

February 17, 2011

qriocity-02172011 — Qrirocity
Photo: DX Images

Universal, Sony, Warner & EMI have teamed up with a new digital music service

Another iTunes competitor is on the way. Sony Music is debuting their streaming called Music Unlimited powered by Qrirocity along with partners Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and EMI Music. The service has been available in several European countries, inluding Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Today marks the launch of the service in the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

Music Unlimited allows the major labels to sell directly to their customers, giving them more control over revenue as the industry battles piracy and declining sales. The service boasts over 6 million songs plus streaming SD, HD and 3D movie rentals. The video content will be available on multiple devices including PlayStation 3, Blu-ray players, Bravia televisions, PCs and Google’s Android OS with a subscription cost $3.99 per month and a 30 day period.

“As we expand ‘Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity’ around the globe, it signifies a paradigm shift which redefines the existing music listening experience by revolutionizing music access, discovery, integration and personalization,” said Kazuo Hirai, President of Networked Products & Services Group, Sony Corporation. “Through Sony’s high quality network-enabled devices, we are focused on delivering dynamic services ‘powered by Qriocity’ to offer global customers with compelling digital entertainment propositions.”

According to Bloomberg, they’re aiming to release the service in nine more countries before the end of 2011.