Omnifone, HP Partner for MusicStation Distribution in 16 EU Countries

January 25, 2010

The partnership calls for HP to distribute the MusicStation Desktop unlimited music service on over 16 HP models across 10 European countries. The service will provide unlimited access to millions of tracks from all four major music labels and leading independent labels, and will be preloaded on the entire range of new HP Pavilion, Compaq Presario and HP Envy models, featuring up to 14 days free trial of unlimited music access for every purchaser of HP PCs.

MusicStation enables users of new HP PCs in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, The Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland to legitimately download, play and share millions of tracks on their computer for a small monthly subscription.* Tracks are downloaded directly to the user’s PC over the internet for both online and offline playback when subscribed to the service or in the free trial period. MusicStation subscribers can also download and keep their favourite 10 tracks forever in DRM free MP3 file format each month.

"Omnifone is proud to partner with HP, the world’s largest PC manufacturer, to deliver MusicStation to consumers on millions of PCs in 10 countries across Europe," said Rob Lewis, Chief Executive Officer of Omnifone. "The HP rollout sees MusicStation Desktop preinstalled on multiple HP PCs, available in 7 languages with each territory featuring an individually tailored music catalogue from Omnifone’s roster of over 6.5 million tracks."

"We look forward to extending our partnership onto even more PCs and territories, to ensure consumers have the ability to gain legitimate access to the world’s music on every HP PC they purchase," continued Lewis.

"Partnering with Omnifone will enable HP to deliver music to millions of HP PC users across 10 countries in Europe on our Pavilion, Presario and Envy PCs," said Charl Snyman, Vice President, Personal Systems Group, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), HP. "Starting today, HP PC users in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands, Austria, Belgium and Switzerland can try MusicStation for free for up to 14 days, get access to millions of tracks, keep their favourite tracks permanently and share music and playlists with other MusicStation users."

Full catalogue

The new service is provided by Omnifone, and is fully licensed by Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, EMI Music and Warner Music International.

"Universal is working closely with PC manufacturers to support the introduction of legitimate music access across mainstream connected consumer electronics," said Rob Wells, Senior Vice President, Digital, Universal Music Group International. "With its huge scale and user base, HP’s 10 country introduction of Omnifone’s MusicStation unlimited music service for the PC will help encourage legitimate access to digital music content from Universal Music and all the other major and independent labels."

"Consumers are asking for innovative digital music services that blend both access and ownership, and come pre-bundled with devices. We are pleased to be supporting Omnifone’s partnership with HP to meet that demand and extend the reach of the MusicStation platform to mass-market audiences," said Michael Paull, Executive Vice President, Global Digital Business, Sony Music Entertainment.

Ian Whitfield, Vice President, Digital Development for EMI Music said: "Omnifone are a key partner of EMI Music and this new tie-up with HP is an innovative extension of the MusicStation service that will bring our artists’ music directly to millions of potential new consumers across Europe."

Eric Daugan, Senior Vice President, Commercial Strategy, Warner Music EMEA commented; "Warner Music strongly supports HP’s introduction of the MusicStation Desktop proposition to bring legitimate music access to HP’s range of top selling PCs. Combining choice, convenience and affordability, this service provides a great way for fans to connect with Warner Music’s world class roster of artists and their music."