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Jun. 7, 2007

Now, mobile phone users won't have to wait anymore for the availability of the iPhone to play iTunes on their phones, thanks to a new service from Seattle-based Melodeo.

On June 6, Melodeo has launched its beta version of its new service, called NuT-Sie.

Mobile phone users can test-drive the beta version by signing up and exporting their iTunes playlists to NuTsie.

Cell phone users can download Melodeo's new application from any text message.

Melodeo's new concept is that NuTsie doesn't actually upload your music files. Instead the service uses the metadata to identify specific songs.

The company is creating a library from which it can stream songs to users' mobile phones.

Nevertheless, Melodeo still adheres to radio rules, the exact same guidelines broadcast radio and online stations use to pay artists and record companies for the right to play the songs.

So users can't just play any song, they can only listen to playlists, and the service shuffles the playlist's song order. Radio rules keep the service (and radio stations) from playing whole albums in order.

NuTsie is a Java application, and to start its new service, Melodao will support 15 phones, although the application may work on phones not specifically supported.

The company is also developing a "BREW" version and a Windows Mobile client.

Melodeo hopes to find wireless carrier partners and launch its service officially in July or August.

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Source: Wireless Week