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Nokia, EMI, Free Record Shop and Robert’s Coffee promote local download of mobile content


WEBWIRE

October 31, 2005, Espoo, Finland -The consumers are now able to download the latest music and related content from EMI artists to their phones in selected Free Record Shop music stores and Robert’s Coffee cafés in Helsinki area, Finland. The service is called bFree.

The content download is made possible with Nokia Local Content Channel Solution, CoolZone, launched earlier today. CoolZone is a local delivery channel for any digital content and uses Bluetooth technology to distribute the content to the consumers’ phones in retail locations. The service is always customized according to the retailer’s or service provider’s own brand.

The bFree service offers the consumers not only music, ringtones, wallpapers and videos but also CD and video top 10 lists, and coupons to participating stores. Once music fans enter a participating store, they can download the bFree application to their phone, enabling them to browse available content. During the trial period, content downloads are free of charge, and closely linked to existing campaigns in the store.

“Rich digital content is widely available and requires an efficient distribution channel. Local mobility solutions create new types of business possibilities to individuals, location owners and enterprises. CoolZone is a Bluetooth technology based content distribution system available to any retailer or location owner who wants to offer or sell digital content to their customers, and thus enhance the in-store experience,” said Sakari Kotola, Director, Nokia Ventures Organization.

Doug Lucas, vice president of digital development and distribution for EMI Music in Europe said: “EMI wants to make sure that fans are provided with easy access to new music and the music of the artists they love in the most direct and effective way. This deal gives us a new and innovative means of doing that.”

“bFree helps us appeal to customers as number one entertainment shop chain where you can experience something new each visit. With bFree we can offer contemporary extra services and campaigns as well as digital content outside our internet shop. Together with Robert’s Coffee we create our customers the possibility to familiarize themselves with latest news of the music world in two different kinds of environment” said Elena Kataja, General Manager, Free Record Shop.

“One of the aspects of the service is using CoolZone to cross promote products to customers visiting Free Record Shop and Robert’s Coffee. We have similar customers segments and locations, which gives great possibilities for that. This also fits well with our new netcup concept which enables consumers to surf Internet when enjoying a cup of coffee in our coffee shops,” said Tomi Miininen, Managing Director, Robert’s Coffee.

The CoolZone solution consists of three elements: Nokia Local Content Channel Client software (Symbian for the Series 60 devices, Java for Nokia Series 40 and other manufacturers’ phones), Nokia Service Point LCP10 and Nokia Service Manager LCM10 management system. While the service is currently Bluetooth based, WLAN will be added in the near future, as more phones will offer WLAN capability.

CoolZone will be demonstrated at the Nokia Mobility Conference 2005 in Palau de Congressos de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain during November 2-3, 2005 with content from EMI.

bFree is available in three Free Record Shop music stores and three Rober’s Coffee cafés in Helsinki area, Finland.

About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

About EMI Music
EMI is the world’s largest independent music company, operating directly in 50 countries. Its EMI Music division represents more than 1,000 artists spanning all musical tastes and genres. Its record labels include Angel, Astralwerks, Blue Note, Capitol, Capitol Nashville, EMI Classics, EMI CMG, EMI Records, EMI Televisa Music, Manhattan, Mute, Parlophone and Virgin.

About Free Record Shop
Free Record Shop is a number one entertainment retail chain selling music, movies and games. Free Record Shop is a Dutch based company operating in five countries in Northern Europe with more than 300 shops. Free Record Shop sells also a variety of digital products in its internet shops. FRS is known for being a front runner in entertainment retailing always looking for new possibilities and products to ensure customer satisfaction and interest.

About Robert’s Coffee
Robert’s Coffee is the biggest coffee shop chain in the Nordic Countries that has its own gourmet coffee roastery. The chain has coffee product process in its own hands - from coffee tree to the cup. The secret of the cup is the fresh roasted gourmet coffee. Robert’s Coffee was founded by Robert Paulig in Helsinki, Finland in 1987. Nowadays there is almost 50 coffee shops in Finland, Sweden, Estonia and in Denmark.



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