Nokia Announces Two Music-Oriented Mobiles, Adds Sony BMG to Its Music Service

Nokia held an event in London today where it announced two new music-oriented phones and the addition of Sony BMG to its "Come With Music" service.

Nokia 5320 XpressMusic

The 5320 XpressMusic is the higher end of the two models unveiled today.

A Symbian S60 smartphone, the 5320 features 3G in both European (900/2100 MHz) and North American (850/2100 MHz) flavors.

In addition, this model features a miniSD memory card slot, dedicated audio processor enabling up to 24 hrs of music play on a single battery charge, 3.5 mm headset port, A2DP Bluetooth, FM radio, and compatibility with Nokia's N-Gage gaming platform.

The Nokia 5320 XpressMusic is expected to begin shipping in the third quarter of 2008 with an estimated retail price of 220 EUR before taxes and subsidies. There is no confirmed word yet if any carrier will be offering the 5320 for U.S. audiences. 

Nokia 5220 XpressMusic

The 5220 XpressMusic is a S40 based Symbian phone. It features the same A2DP Bluetooth and miniSD support as the 5320, but has a larger 1020 mAh battery.

This device is expected to begin shipping in the third quarter of 2008 with an estimated retail price of 160 EUR before taxes and subsidies. 

Sony BMG Joins Nokia Comes With Music

In addition to the new handsets, Nokia has announced that Sony BMG Music Entertainment is now a part of Nokia's Come With Music service. 

People who buy a device compatible with Nokia's Comes With Music will have a year of access to the Sony BMG and other labels catalog. Music can be downloaded to a phone or computer in an unlimited fashion for the first year of owning the Nokia device.

At the end of the one year period, consumers can keep their downloaded tracks and then purchase per track or an "unlimited access" subscription to continue with the Comes With Music service. New devices purchased can have the license for Comes With Music transferred to the new computer or phone.

Comes With Music is expected to launch in the second half of 2008 on a range of Nokia products in selected markets.  

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