TORONTO (Digital Journal) — It’s a partnership that is targeting one of the most lucrative demographics: kids who love music. Canada’s MuchMusic has teamed with Rogers Wireless to create the MuchPhone — a pay-as-you-go plan for the Nokia 6010m and Motorola V551m cell phones.
There’s no CBCPhone or ShowcasePhone, so why would this work? A simple equation illustrates the synergy: Internet-able colour-screen phones plus access to MuchMusic amenities equals 17-year-olds whining to Dad, “Can you buy me one, pleeeeease?”
Digital Journal tried out the MuchPhone, using the Motorola model. It lived up to its hype, notably in the music areas. Ever listened to a song but you couldn’t name it? MuchPhone’s TuneTracker identifies that radio tune by asking you to hold the phone up to a set of speakers and waiting a few minutes until the service text-messages you with the name of the song and artist. If it sounds unreal, it isn’t, although MuchMusic admits that not every single song will be identified.
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The Motorola V551m is a video and camera phone with the ability to record 20-second video clips. It also uses Bluetooth wireless technology and is a quad-band “world phone.” — Photo courtesy MuchMusic |
Another cool feature is MuchMixFactory, where MuchPhone users can create their own ringtones (or ringtunes). By heading to an exclusive site, MuchPhoners select loops, rhythms and melodies to eventually fashion their own tune. In addition, these custom ringtunes can be saved on the web site so other users can access them.
The online hub also delivers text-message alerts from MuchMusic, including upcoming events and guests at the Nation’s Music Station; “This Day in Music History”; “Rock n’ Roll Horoscopes” and the latest buzz on those teeny-bopper favourites.
The one drawback Digital Journal discovered was poor reception. Fuzziness invaded several calls, although that may be attributed to the Motorola model as opposed to the service.
The phone plan is pay-as-you-go, with rates from five cents to 39 cents per minute. After a mail-in rebate, the Motorola model sells for $299 while the Nokia model sells for $99. If the MuchPhone features are so tantalizing you can’t help yourself, which phone to buy? Here is the breakdown of their specs:
Nokia 6010m
Colour display, with multi-media messaging capability. Text and picture messaging on a GSM/GPRS 850/1900 MHz network.
Ability to download latest games, graphics and ringtunes.
Motorola V551m
Video and camera phone with capability to record 20-second video clips. Bluetooth wireless technology on quad-band “world phone.”
Internet browser with two-way text messaging, and picture caller ID and built-in speakerphone. Comes with MuchMusic carrying case.
The Motorola model is the superior phone of the two, but its price tag may sway parents to opt for the more utilitarian Nokia 6010. What makes the MuchPhone so desirable is its pop-culture appeal — I double-dog-dare you to name another phone that instantly sends alerts when Green Day comes to your hometown.
