News 2000
Virgin Mobile To Launch World's First MP3 Phone
12/04/2000
"BRINGING MOBILE MUSIC TO YOUR EARS"
Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Mobile, today announced his plans to launch the world's first mobile phone with integrated MP3 player.
Virgin Mobile has entered a multi-million pound agreement with Samsung, the world's fourth largest manufacturer of mobile phones, to introduce this new media innovation to the UK.
The Virgin branded Samsung SGH M100 combined mobile and MP3 player will retail at around £300 when it launches to the public later this summer. The MP3 technology allows users to listen to music in stunning stereo sound where ever they are, when ever they want, and make use of Virgin Mobile's award-winning services at the same time. In-bound calls automatically pause the music until the user 'hangs-up' at the end of their conversation.
Sir Richard Branson said: "This mobile, this music player, will revolutionise both its associated industries. It marks the beginning of a new period in music retailing and distribution, and it is the epitome of modern mobile technology - a technology which knows no bounds.
"There's been talk from the established phone companies about harnessing MP3 technology. But talk it is obviously is. Virgin Mobile, just six months old, has beaten the rest of the pack.
"For many years Virgin has been at the forefront of the music industry. In the new media world we aim to continue that tradition. Why carry a player and a separate mobile when you can have both in one small digital device? Why carry a CD or cassette player, when you can transport music electronically?
"With the record companies and artists making moves to sell their music over the internet we see a great future for digital music download technology. We have plans to let people buy music and have it downloaded straight to their phone in our stores. And in the future it will be possible to buy and download music over the air, using the mobile network itself. "
Virgin customers will be able to download up to an album's worth of their favourite music from the internet or from a CD onto their Virgin Mobile Samsung MP3 phone via their computer. The phone comes with 32Mbs of memory and specially designed music manager software allowing customers to digitally store and file their private CD collection or web-sourced MP3 music, then download it onto their MP3 phone. It takes approximately 30 seconds to transfer a 3 minute track from PC to the phone.
At £300, the MP3 mobile is cheaper than buying the two items separately in many cases and will be available from Virgin Mobile direct, Virgin Megastores or over the internet, at Virgin.com/mobile.
The launch will be backed by a powerful advertising campaign targeting a core audience of 18-35 year olds.
As usual with Virgin Mobile there will be no contract to sign, no monthly bills and cheap calls from 5p a minute. Customers can pay for their calls in advance using vouchers or their credit or debit card, or pay later by direct debit.
Notes to Editor:
Background on MP3
- MP3 is a technology that allows CD quality music to be compressed into a file which is small enough to download easily from the internet to a PC. It can then be played on a computer with special software or a dedicated MP3 player.
- Almost 70% of surfing UK music lovers have already accessed MP3 music files on the internet. A report, 'Consumers Call the Tune' published by Culture Secretary Chris Smith estimates that up to 3 million MP3 music files are downloaded worldwide from the internet every day, with a global online sales predicted to reach $4billion (US) or 8% of the total music market by 2004.
- Artists such as David Bowie, Prince and Boy George have all embraced the new technology having either launched albums via the internet or on personalised MP3 players.
Background on Virgin Mobile
- Virgin Mobile was launched in November 1999 and is the UK's first virtual operator.
- With Virgin Mobile there's no line rental, no monthly fees, no ongoing charges, no vouchers that expire and no high call charges. Once customers are connected, they pay only for the calls they make.
- Each of internet-compatible phones comes with a whole host of special Virgin services called Virgin Xtras. At the press of a button, customers can get substantial savings on Virgin Holidays and Virgin Sun, special offers on Virgin Atlantic flights, discounted CDs, a special rate for the RAC's new Red breakdown service and more.
Background on Samsung
- Samsung is the 13th largest corporation in the world. Last year the company developed the world's first Watch Phone and TV Phone.
For more information contact:
AM - Steven Day, Virgin Mobile tel: 07931 777 777
PM - Andy Mallinson, Virgin Mobile tel: 0958 595111
Or Debra Burtt, Consolidated Communications tel:
020 7208 2714, 09741 200 300
