WIN Supports PlayNow arena Launch

WIN plc, which provides interactive mobile entertainment and information services, has entered into an agreement with handset maker Sony Ericsson to support its launch of the PlayNow arena, a web portal providing access to media rich mobile content. WIN, through its wholly-owned subsidiary PocketGroup, will be responsible for securing locally relevant content and the life-cycle management of the content.
The PlayNow arena provides users with access to more than one 1 DRM-free tracks from major labels including Sony BMG, Warner Music and EMI at launch, plus a number of independent music labels and aggregators. DRM (Digital Rights Management) is an access control technology used by hardware manufacturers, publishers and copyright holders to limit usage of digital media or devices.
The PlayNow arena promotes music without DRM technology and WIN believes the lack of copyright protection will set Sony Ericsson’s new offering apart from the competition, as it allows users to download and play their music of choice without restrictions. Music, games, ringtones, wallpapers and themes are all available from the new portal for both mobile devices and the PC.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Sony Ericsson…” says WIN CEO,
Graham Rivers. “Mobile music downloading is still very much a growth market in its infancy, and it is fascinating to be involved from the antecedent stages, helping to develop the market by creating the industry standard.”