Shazam, the mobile-to-web
music services provider, has announced the release of Shazam iD, a mobile
application which it says takes its award-winning mobile music recognition
service to a new level of interactivity.

Shazam iD is
a Java application that can be downloaded for free to mobile phones (though
data charges apply), giving users more features and flexibility to discover and
experience music. Shazam iD incorporates Shazams native mobile music
recognition technology as a primary function, but enhances the end-user
experience by delivering a richer, more engaging music experience. The
application prompts higher levels of repeat usage, which the company says should
naturally result in increased data revenues for all network operators.

Once
downloaded, the application sits on the handsets main menu and offers the user
one-click initiation utilising GPRS connectivity. At the touch of a button,
users can iD the music they are hearing and go on to access related
information, including artist biographies and  recommendations, and ultimately purchase
associated products from a range of integrated vendors.

“We have
long recognised that the mobile device was set to become the centre of users
music experiences, as evidenced by the 11 million Shazamers who have used our
services,” says Shazam CEO, Andrew Fisher. “With the rapid adoption of more sophisticated
handsets, we are delivering a greatly enhanced user experience via Shazam iD,
that provides vastly optimised music discovery, transaction and community
features to users worldwide.”

Shazam iD is
compatible with 22 Java-enabled handsets in the UK and there is a rapid
additional handset rollout programme planned for early next year. Initially
offered with a free, 3-day trial period, Shazam iD is based on a monthly
subscription service of 2 per month, which gives unlimited use of the service.

Shazam says
that the new service offers a faster music recognition experience, and one-touch
initiation means there is no need to dial the 2580 number. On-device audio
fingerprinting provides the ability to initiate recognition of the music
regardless of mobile network coverage. If there is no network coverage, the
sample is held on the device and then pushed via GPRS to Shazam once coverage
is available. 

To download
the application, text SMART to 80805 and follow the link provided by return.