Microsoft and Nokia Collaborate on Digital Media Format Support

Strategic Insights -

At the 3GSM World Congress, Microsoft and Nokia announced a partnership to ensure consumers can enjoy music from the newly launched mobile music solution on both Nokia handsets and Windows XP-based PCs. The two companies will collaborate on extended digital media format support, including support for Windows Media Audio, Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM) 10, and Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) on music-oriented Nokia handsets.

The collaboration will also include support for Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) Digital Rights Management and the MPEG Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) family of codecs in Windows Media Player via a plug-in. This dual-technology-stack support will broaden the range of music enjoyment choices for consumers and delivery options for content owners and service providers, while ensuring easy device connection and content flow between Nokia handsets and Windows XP-based PCs.

The mobile music service from Nokia and Loudeye enables wireless operators' customers to search, listen, download, and pay for music using an operator-branded music application on their mobile device. Windows Media Player is used for the PC component of the music solution, and wireless operators will be able to brand their music service when it is integrated into the Windows Media Player.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft and Nokia have agreed to collaborate on extended digital media format support, ensuring consumers can enjoy music from the newly launched mobile music solution on both Nokia handsets and Windows XP-based PCs.
  • The collaboration includes support for Windows Media Audio, Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM) 10, and Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) on music-oriented Nokia handsets.
  • Nokia will support Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) Digital Rights Management and the MPEG Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) family of codecs in Windows Media Player via a plug-in.
  • The dual-technology-stack support will broaden the range of music enjoyment choices for consumers and delivery options for content owners and service providers.
  • Wireless operators will be able to provide their customers with access and download of music using the mobile music solution from Nokia and Loudeye.
  • By supporting MTP on their handsets, Nokia is ensuring consumers have a simple and easy sync experience with their phones when transferring music to and from Windows XP-based PCs using Windows Media Player.

Statistics:

  • The mobile music service from Nokia and Loudeye enables wireless operators' customers to search, listen, download, and pay for music.
  • The service uses the Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) DRM and MPEG AAC standards.
  • Windows Media Player is used for the PC component of the music solution, and wireless operators will be able to brand their music service when it is integrated into the Windows Media Player.

Sources:

  • Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. http://www.nokia.com/
  • Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft, Windows and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.