Cingular Aims to Name That Tune

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

February 13, 2006, 3:54 PM

Can't name that tune? Cingular has introduced a new service that will help its users do just that -- by identifying the song for them. Announced Monday and called MusicID, the service uses the cellular voice network to listen to a recorded song and identify it based on what it hears.

The service is a collaboration between Cingular and London-based Shazam Entertainment, the creator of the MusicID technology.

Users can access the system in two ways, through either a text messaging or Java version of the application. In the messaging version, the user would dial #ID from his handset and hold the phone up to the audio source. In a few seconds they would receive a text message with the song and artist name, and a link to download a ringtone if available.

The cost to use this service would be 99 cents per identification. After three purchases, the user could then select an unlimited ID option for $6.99 per month, Cingular said.

In the Java application, owners of the Nokia 6682 can download a software version of the service, which would work similarly to the text option. However, the song would be identified within the application, and links would also be provided to graphics, and ringtones similar to the song identified, as well as the ringtone to the song itself, if available.

The Java version can store past ID's, and features an option to send matched songs to other Cingular customers with links to download associated content. Cingular said it has plans in the future to extend the Java application to other phone models.

Chances are a user will find a match; the database can identify over three million songs, the carrier added.

"MusicID is just another example of Cingular creatively using wireless connectivity to enhance our customer's music experience," Cingular vice president of consumer data Jim Ryan said. "We are excited to offer data services like MusicID to our more than 54 million customers that want to stay atop of and connected to all things music."

The service is available immediately to Cingular subscribers.