Andre Yoskowitz
22 Sep 2008 11:17
SanDisk and the major record labels have announced a new physical music format which they have called SlotMusic and will begin sales this upcoming holiday season.
Backed by EMI Music, Sony BMG, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group, the "new" format will basically be an entire album on a MicroSD card. The large retailers Wal-Mart and Best Buy have already agreed to begin selling the cards starting in November.
While CD sales continue their path to death, this new effort is aimed at all the users of cell phones or MP3 players that have MicroSD slots. The album can be inserted right into the device and played back. The SlotMusic also comes with a USB adapter so you can move the music to your computer.
The press release did not say the bitrate of the music, but it will be DRM-free and in MP3 form.
A WSJ article adds that the "initial release batch will be 29 albums from all four of the involved labels. The releases are mostly by current pop artists including Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Robin Thicke, New Kids on the Block, Weezer, Usher, Chris Brown, Akon and Leona Lewis," the story stays. "In a nod to older buyers, Elvis Presley is also represented."
It is estimated the SlotMusic cards will sell for $7 to $10 USD each.