Sony and YourMobile/PWS today announced the launch of a new online commercial wireless service which will offer ringtones -- musical options for the ring on mobile phones indicating incoming calls -- to music fans for purchase within the United States. The ringtones offered will represent compositions associated with a wide array of SME artists, as well as ringtones representing artists from a variety of other music labels and companies. Thousands of musical ringtones will be immediately available for sale domestically. While the initial launch of the service will focus on the U.S. market, additional ringtone sites designed to service international markets will be announced at a later date. In addition, SME anticipates that the company will also offer graphics and other mobile messaging content in the near future.
"By working together with YourMobile/PWS, Sony Music Entertainment has created a new wireless media business supported by a deep catalogue of mobile messaging content, a proven distribution network, and robust transaction services," said Thomas Gewecke, Senior Vice President, New Technology and Business Development, Sony Music Entertainment. "Our new wireless ringtones service will enable music fans to incorporate their favorite songs into their everyday lives."
Anthony Stonefield, CEO, YourMobile/PWS said, "The services we've created with Sony Music Entertainment will allow consumers to access a dynamic library of ringtones for their mobile phones. Consumer use of, and access to, wireless media content is already well-developed internationally and is growing in the U.S., and through its relationship with YourMobile/PWS, Sony Music Entertainment is the first major entertainment-media company to respond aggressively to the burgeoning consumer demand for wireless services."
YourMobile/PWS will supply the platform for delivery of SME's wireless multimedia across GSM, TDMA, and CDMA networks and multiple presentation interfaces and electronic platforms; create and publish the wireless multimedia content; and manage transactions with the cooperation of its technology solutions partners. The wireless media service will be promoted through SME's existing network of products and services including CDs, websites and email newsletters. Initial content offerings include ringtones from new SME releases, chart toppers, popular theme songs and classic tunes.