New HP laptop buyers to get free music for a year

HP India on Wednesday launched Connected Music, a service that lets users stream and download music free for a year. For this, the company has tied up with Hungama.com and Universal Music. The service will work only on new HP Windows 8 devices and users can access it at hpconnectedmusic.co.in, using the launcher embedded in the machine.

The three companies have collaborated to offer things "money can't buy". This includes opportunities to meet bands and artistes and get their autographs, pictures, etc. This will be based on a draw of lots and the users' involvement in the service. Those who use the service more will have a better chance of winning a chance to meet their favourite artistes.

Ranjivjit Singh, Head, Marketing, HP PPS India, said, "Our consumers have told us they want a seamless music experience, while using their device and this is exactly what HP Connected Music provides. Through its subscription service, it allows people the chance to explore a whole new world of music and exclusive content, while using their HP device."

The music is DRM-protected (Digital Rights Management), which means that it cannot be copied to other devices. The service is device-linked and every account will be tied to the HP machine via its unique serial number.

Universal Music and Hungama.com have a large catalogue of music – over 20,000 Indian and international artistes. Consumers will also have access to unique content such as previews, behind the scenes footage and VIP events.

Devraj Sanyal, Managing Director, Universal Music India SAARC, said: "The new HP connected music customer will have access to over one million tracks from 20,000 artists to make this offering the most comprehensive digital music service."

Hungama.com was involved in the development of HP's web-based music portal. Neeraj Roy, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt Ltd, said, "A platform such as this will give consumers the convenience of an unlimited music subscription service. Our platform powers the HP Connected Music service, giving the consumer seamless one-click download, and the ability to connect with social communities."

HP Connected Music will be available in India on selected consumer notebooks from February 1, 2013. Users will have to pay for the service after the one-year free subscription expires. HP did not announce the price or whether users will have to pay for every song or every month/year.

The service is exclusive to HP devices and users will be able to carry their playlist (on the cloud) to a new HP machine, but they will have to download the songs again on the new computer. There is no option to take the songs to smartphones, tablets or non-HP devices.

Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/new-hp-laptop-buyers-to-get-free-music-for-a-year/1066856/0