Top record companies and HP create MusicStation
In a bid to combat music piracy, major music labels are said to be teaming up with the world’s biggest computer manufacturer, HP, as well as cloud-based unlimited music service provider Omnifone. The association will produce a music store based in Europe which will compete with iTunes from Apple.
MusicStation, the name for the new service, will be available to music enthusiasts who will have purchased one amongst a selection 16 various new models of HP PCs in the United Kingdom, Spain, Austria, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland.
By buying a HP-branded computer and contributing to a monthly fee, consumers will have access to millions of tracks all distributed by the top four record companies in the world as well as major independent music labels.
Universal Music Group, EMI Music, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music International are all participating into the scheme.
Universal Music Group International senior vice president of digital technologies Rob Wells said Universal is working closely with computer manufacturers to support the legitimate access of music via mainstream consumer electronics.
A fourteen-day trial period with be given to new users during which they will be able to download songs to their computer or may also be streamed.