Nokia launches music service as jobs go

Nokia launches music service as jobs go

NOKIA will launch a touch-enabled handset and an unlimited music download service locally on March 20 as the mobile phone manufacturer goes head-to-head with Apple's iPhone and iTunes.

Nokia's Comes with Music service is a bundle that includes a subscription to its Australian music store and a new handset

The service, dubbed Comes with Music, is a bundle that includes a subscription to Nokia’s Australian music store and the new Nokia 5800 XpressMusic handset that has a touch-controlled interface and 8GB memory.

Users can download an unlimited number of songs from Nokia’s music store of four million songs from international and local artists.

However, the tracks are digital rights management-protected and can only be downloaded and stored on a Comes with Music device and a single PC or laptop.

Downloaded songs will work once a subscription has ended, Nokia Australia and New Zealand general manager Emile Baak said.

Comes with Music will be available from operators 3, Virgin Mobile and Optus as well as retailers Allphones and Telechoice, according to Nokia Australia and New Zealand music manager Karen Farrugia..

She said the carriers would confirm pricing plans before launch.

The recommended retail price for a handset and 12 month subscription is $979. Selected service providers will also sell an 18-month plan for $1109.

The bundle can be purchased outright or on a plan from the operators and retailers.

The news comes after Nokia yesterday announced a voluntary redundancy plan that would affect 1000 workers globally.

There are no country-specific targets for the number of layoffs but the scheme will not hit senior executives and factory production workers, a Nokia Australia spokeswoman said.

"This initiatives is a global scheme which is open for application from March 1 until 1000 employees have applied, closing at the latest May 31," she said.

The Finnish mobile phone maker said the move was part of a "previously announced plans to increase cost-efficiency and adapt to the challenging market environment".

The company is also encouraging its staff to take unpaid leave and sabbaticals this year.