(2 July 2008 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Mobile handset manufacturer Nokia has announced that Warner Music Group ( WMG) will make its catalogue of stars and artists available through Nokia Music Stores around the world as well as through 'Comes With Music'.

'Comes With Music' is expected to launch in the second half of 2008 on a range of Nokia devices in select territories. With a single purchase, consumers will have access to a year of exploring and downloading the music that they love, and be able to keep all their selections in their permanent library.

Nokia Entertainment and Communities business executive VP and head Tero Ojanperä says, "Warner Music Group has been a pioneer in developing new digital music business models and we are very pleased to have them supporting both the Nokia Music Store and Comes With Music.

"Comes With Music enables people to access great content, provides artists to wider exposure with new and existing fans, and creates new revenue for all stakeholders."

Warner Music Group chairman and CEO Edgar Bronfman, Jr. says, "Nokia’s Comes With Music service will be a significant step forward in the evolution of digital music. It’s the first global initiative to fundamentally align the interests of music companies with telecommunications companies" said ,. "Through this innovative service and business model, all parties are equally driven to create the best and most comprehensive music offering designed to meet the ever-expanding consumer appetite for music and music-enabled devices."

Warner Music Group content will also now be available through the Nokia Music Store. With millions of tracks from major artists and independent labels, the Nokia Music Store lets people enjoy music directly on their Nokia device or personal computer. The Nokia store, with its compelling combination of download and streaming services, empowers fans to connect to music they want, in the way they want.

Consumers can browse for new music, get recommendations or search for favorite artists, songs or albums - all from the palm of their hand. Songs can be added to a wish list for future purchase or purchased immediately and downloaded directly to the mobile device. Purchased songs can also be transferred between a PC and a compatible Nokia device, regardless of which device was used to buy them.