Posted on Monday, October 31 2005 @ 14:29 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
The content download is made possible with Nokia Local Content Channel Solution, CoolZone, launched earlier today. CoolZone is a local delivery channel for any digital content and uses Bluetooth technology to distribute the content to the consumers' phones in retail locations. The service is always customized according to the retailer's or service provider's own brand.
The bFree service offers the consumers not only music, ringtones, wallpapers and videos but also CD and video top 10 lists, and coupons to participating stores. Once music fans enter a participating store, they can download the bFree application to their phone, enabling them to browse available content. During the trial period, content downloads are free of charge, and closely linked to existing campaigns in the store.
"Rich digital content is widely available and requires an efficient distribution channel. Local mobility solutions create new types of business possibilities to individuals, location owners and enterprises. CoolZone is a Bluetooth technology based content distribution system available to any retailer or location owner who wants to offer or sell digital content to their customers, and thus enhance the in-store experience," said Sakari Kotola, Director, Nokia Ventures Organization.
Doug Lucas, vice president of digital development and distribution for EMI Music in Europe said: "EMI wants to make sure that fans are provided with easy access to new music and the music of the artists they love in the most direct and effective way. This deal gives us a new and innovative means of doing that."
"bFree helps us appeal to customers as number one entertainment shop chain where you can experience something new each visit. With bFree we can offer contemporary extra services and campaigns as well as digital content outside our internet shop. Together with Robert's Coffee we create our customers the possibility to familiarize themselves with latest news of the music world in two different kinds of environment" said Elena Kataja, General Manager, Free Record Shop.
"One of the aspects of the service is using CoolZone to cross promote products to customers visiting Free Record Shop and Robert's Coffee. We have similar customers segments and locations, which gives great possibilities for that. This also fits well with our new netcup concept which enables consumers to surf Internet when enjoying a cup of coffee in our coffee shops," said Tomi Miininen, Managing Director, Robert's Coffee.
The CoolZone solution consists of three elements: Nokia Local Content Channel Client software (Symbian for the Series 60 devices, Java for Nokia Series 40 and other manufacturers' phones), Nokia Service Point LCP10 and Nokia Service Manager LCM10 management system. While the service is currently Bluetooth based, WLAN will be added in the near future, as more phones will offer WLAN capability.
CoolZone will be demonstrated at the Nokia Mobility Conference 2005 in Palau de Congressos de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain during November 2-3, 2005 with content from EMI.
bFree is available in three Free Record Shop music stores and three Rober's Coffee cafés in Helsinki area, Finland.
