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No unlimited downloads from Nokia in UAE yet
Even though Nokia has announced it will launch an online music store in the UAE, local users will not be able to get free unlimited downloads - at least not yet.
- By Scott Shuey, Chief Business Reporter
- Published: 23:56 October 22, 2008
Dubai: Even though Nokia has announced it will launch an online music store in the UAE, local users will not be able to get free unlimited downloads - at least not yet.
The "Comes With Music" (CWM) program, which gives buyers of select Nokia handsets unlimited music downloads for a year, was launched on October 2, but will only be available in the UK.
However, as Nokia's online music store matures in the region, the company may look to bring the CWM service to the UAE, according to Ayman Chalhoub, Nokia's business manager for music in the Middle East and North Africa. "We want to bring it to all our customers around the world," he said.
Until that happens, users will have access to the Nokia Music Store (music.nokia.ae) when it launches this December. "This is the first step for us on the UAE," Chalhoub said.
While Chalhoub would not release the size or specific contents of the online catalogue, he did say the store would be very diverse and include Arabic, international and Bollywood artists from major labels, such as Sony BMG, Warner, EMI and Rotana, and well as other independent labels. The specific contents of the site will be determined by consumers, he said.
"Music is a local experience," he said. "Localising music is one of our primary objectives."
Options
The site will allows users to download music "a la carte" or through a monthly service that streams music directly to their PCs. Users who choose to download music will be able to do so using their PC or with mobile handsets.
"Most handsets that support music will be able to download music from the portal," he said.
Nokia has not released its pricing structure for the online store yet, but Chalhoub said the prices would be competitive with other online music sites.
However, anyone downloading the music will only be able to transfer it devices that support Microsoft's Digital Rights Management software. Unfortunately, Chalhoub said, that does not include Apple's iPod or the iPhone.
Nokia will be promoting the online music store with a Kylie Minogue concert in November.
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