New Java app turns music recognition service into an interactive web and mobile retail channel.
Shazam iD is built on the company's established music recognition technology, but bolts on related information including artist biographies, recommendations, lyrics and the facility to purchase stuff like CDs from a range of integrated vendors.The UK-based company - which has been trailing the Java solution with several major operators around the world on a white label basis - says the app prompts higher levels of repeat usage resulting in increased data revenues.
The stats would appear to bear this out - Shazam CEO Andrew Fisher told ME that users of the Shazam iD app access the service on average 20 times a month, compared to three times a month via the traditional IVR method.
He added: "There's a lot of excitement around the mobile music category right now and our aim is for Shazam to be the most trusted and efficient way of buying music and music-related products through a mobile phone."
Ultimately Shazam's aim is to work with operators to integrate the technology into existing mobile music stores - six so far, 11 by 1Q08.
Article continues belowAdvertisement
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. The service is based on a £2 monthly subscription.
International Shazam iD launches are expected in the coming weeks and months.
Globally, Shazam's music 'tagging' services are registering one and a half million calls per week from 11 million unique users. Shazam is live or going live in 25 countries across 45 markets in all major territories.
