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23 Sep 2008
SanDisk has inked a deal to distribute music on its Flash memory cards.
The firm announced a partnership with music labels EMI, Sony BMG, Universal and Warner to launch a new distribution system known as SlotMusic which will place albums on microSD memory cards.
The cards can be played on all PCs, handsets and smartphones equipped with microSD card readers. The cards will also be sold with a small USB sleeve which will allow for a connection to PCs that lack a microSD reader.
The music itself will be distributed as 320Kbps DRM-free MP3 tracks. In addition to audio albums, the cards will sport liner notes and album art.
Initially, the cards will be released in US Wal-Mart and Best Buy retail stores as well as online. The companies hope to have a line of Slotmusic albums released by the holiday season.
A release in Europe has been promised as well, although no dates were given.
The companies hope that the new format will appeal to users who wish to listen to music on their handsets without requiring an internet connection or pre-loading on a computer, the hallmarks of current music services such as iTunes and Rhapsody.
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Do you agree?
Are SanDisk missing something?
It is always good to see tech companies using their expertise to tempt music consumers, but SanDisk seems to be missing the fact that the reason physical music sales have fallen is because people are already getting their music whenever they want and for free, not because the product is the wrong format. Consumers are clearly telling companies how they want their music - digitally and many do not want to pay - so online, ad-funded and easy is the clear message - viable alternatives to the piracy sites they are already using.
Posted by: We7Steve 30 Sep 2008