A telephone replay of the call will be available after 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT at 1-888-484-8256 and 1-203-369-3737 for international callers.
- We'll are live blogging now waiting for the conference to start.
- Just got word the the conference will start any minute.
- It's started.
- This is an experiment
- Its a joint 30 minute confernece call with MTV, Real and Verizon
- Van Toffler speaking for MTV
- New service combine URGE and Rhapsody
- Call seems to be having tech problems
- We're back
- Van tried to blame competitors for the call glitch (joke)
- Goal is to create an immersive experience
- New joint venture Rhapsody America
- Former URGE had Michael Bloom will head
- Rob Glasser of Real speaking now
- Joint venture is between MTV and Real. Verizon is oustide deal
- "Vision of new co": 1) jukebox in the sky everywhere 2) bring together PC and mobile 3) marketing via MTV and Verizon
- Rob says discussions have been going on for a year. "1+1+1 = way more than three"
- John of Verizon speaking now
- Says that latest phones and networks make this possible. Vcast phone will grow from 4 mg now 8 to 16 by 2008 to allow people to store collections on phones \
- New service will also combine may V-cast services
- One seemless platform
- Now Q & A
- Ken Lee Reuters: What is the $ investment?
- Financial Networks can't comment until financial call later today
- URGE will continue to nbe on Window media until further notice
- Not sure if there will be a music subscription service to phone at launch. Some vagueness.
- DRM free music trail with Universal launched today on Real
- Real says they believe DRM free will grow into the service at labels come aboard
- There will be paid and PC and over the air downloads, More vagueness.
- URGE brand will be incorporated into new Rhapsody store.
- Real is primary investor but Viacom is substantial player
- No launch date yet with prices or details
- How will Rhapsody change? Yes in a big way
- All parties promise a big change and very aggressive marketing - well beyond what was done for URGE or Rhapsody.
- End of call. Will have summary on the front page of Hypebot soon.
A telephone replay of the call will be available after 12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT at 1-888-484-8256 and 1-203-369-3737 for international callers.
