Sony has launched a new cloud-based music subscription service in Japan, which will give users access to over 10 million songs.
Music Unlimited, which was already available in 16 other countries, will feature 10 millions songs from a variety of record labels, including the Big Four and a range of independents.
The service can be used across a variety of platforms, compatible with both Android and Mac operating systems.
With songs stored in the cloud, users can listen their playlists and libraries without the need to transfer music files across devices.
Music Unlimited incorporates data-collecting technology which allows the service to adapt to its users’ listening habits. By collecting data about its users’ listening preferences, Music Unlimited claims it can offer ‘the most compatible and enjoyable’ songs from the cloud.
However, concerns about users’ privacy abound in digital media, with some consumers expressing concerns that such data may be used to shape what kind of content is created. The concerns over privacy in digital media made headlines this week when the Wall Street Journal reported that digital book publishers and retailers now know more about their customers’ reading habits than was possible under conventional publishing.
Reading an ebook? It’s reading you right back – and reporting back. #bitcreepy. guardian.co.uk/books/2012/jul…
— James Ball (@jamesrbuk) July 4, 2012
Kazuhiko Koike, President and CEO, Universal Music LLC, said, “Music Unlimited heralds a new era for the music industry in Japan.
“This service creates opportunities for customers to discover new music wherever they are in the world, and we are delighted to offer listeners access to our great music library.”
The service includes a 30-day free trial for new users, after which it will cost approximately $18 per month.
Samuel Agini is the Editor of Andrew Apanov’s Dotted Music.