Sony Corporation on Thursday launched a subscription-based music streaming service with millions of songs from the Big Four music labels—but you won't be able to access them on any mobile devices just yet.
"Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity" will initially launch on Internet-connected, Sony-branded electronics like Sony VAIOs, the PlayStation 3, Blu-ray, and Bravia TVs. Next in the pipeline are supported versions for Sony's upcoming mobile devices, like the next-generation PlayStation Portable and Xperia PlayStation Phone, followed by third-party Android devices. In the more distant future, you'll be able to use them on iOS devices.
Users can access a growing catalogue of around six million songs from major labels Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and EMI Music, as well as independent labels and publishers.
There are two subscription plans available, each with a free 30-day trial. Basic will set you back $3.99 a month. Basic offers infinite skipping and ad-free song play, as well as personalized channels. For $9.99 a month, Premium adds the ability to play any song in the catalogue on demand, and access Top 100 channels, which are regularly updated with the latest hits.
The more you use Qriocity, the better the personalized channels become, Sony said in statement.
"By studying users' listening habits, incorporating their 'like/dislike' song ratings, analyzing their existing music collections and more, "Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity" adapts to users' music preferences and constantly tailors music channels to offer the most compatible and enjoyable list of songs," the statement reads.
In an obvious punt to Apple, Qriocity users can upload DRM-free music from their other music players, including iTunes, to their personal catalogues.
Sony debuted Music Unlimited in December 2010 in the U.K. and Ireland. A month later, its second-phase launch included Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.