The Technology Partnership (TTP has created the enabling software for UBC Media to launch the world's first broadcast Digital Music Downloading (DMD) service to mobiles.
UBC is soft-launching the service in London in March, with full UK consumer roll out by early summer.
The DMD service differs from normal 3G mobile music download services as it offers the ability to interact directly with radio broadcasts, rather than having to search and download tracks proactively.
This means listeners to instantly purchase tracks as they are broadcast directly to mobile devices, such as digital radio enabled handsets and personal media players.
The Lobster 700 mobile TV phone, launched in October by Virgin Mobile and developed in association with TTP, is the first such device.
DMD broadcasts encoded and encrypted music files, alongside a radio station's audio stream. These are cached in the mobile device and can be bought and played immediately. When a track is purchased on the handset, a copy is also sent to your home computer after online registration.
"TTP is working with UBC Media and its partners to make possible the roll out of the world's first commercial radio DMD service,” said Martin Orrell, general manager of digital multimedia broadcast at TTP.
“We expect this enabling software and proven expertise to be at the heart of many more services as other radio stations, content aggregators, handset manufacturers and mobile operators around the world begin to appreciate the massive potential of the DMD market," said Orrell.
UBC believes from its recent trials that DMD will not just appeal to the iPod generation but attract those who are less familiar with downloading music. Although the software is complex, TTP has developed a very simple, intuitive, user-focused interface which is usable by all consumers.
TTP has also supplied its DAB-IP technology platform to BT Movio and Virgin Mobile. “It has been well received by BT Movio and Virgin Mobile for mobile TV applications. Using the platform's extendable nature, we are building additional software around this core technology to facilitate new offerings of which UBC's DMD service is a prime example,” said Orrell.
TTP will give a full demonstration of the technology on stand 1B39 at 3GSM Congress in Barcelona (12-15 February 2007).