Verizon Wireless launches song ID service

Verizon Wireless is hoping to spur its full-track mobile music sales with a new music-identification application.
The carrier launched Vcast Song ID, allowing users to play a tune into their phone to discover the name of the song as well as the musician. The free application then offers the matching ringtone and ringback tone offerings-as well as the full tune from Verizon Wireless’ music library-for purchase.
Verizon Wireless has already begun advertising the service with TV commercials.
Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel Corp. continue to target music lovers with an Apple Inc. iTunes-style digital music storefront, while AT&T Mobility is hoping to lure users with a sideloading-based service that synchs with Napster and other online music services. Verizon Wireless took a swipe at AT&T Mobility’s recently launched service, which has yet to include over-the-air download functionality.
“At a time when some of our competitors won’t even allow you to download your music over-the-air, Verizon Wireless is pushing forward by offering Song ID for free,” said CMO Mike Lanman. “We’ll help you find the music you love, then make it easy for you to buy.”
Song ID services are nothing new; a variety of startups over the years have demonstrated song ID offerings. Further, AT&T Mobility already offers a song ID service.