The online and mobile music sectors came closer together yesterday with the announcement that Apple will work with Motorola to extend the iTunes download service to mobile phones.
As a result of the joint venture iTunes users will be able to transfer their digital music collections to 'iTunes-enabled' Motorola phones via USB or Bluetooth. No word on how many tracks the average 'iTunes-enabled' phone will hold, or what effect playing them will have on battery life.
Announcing the partnership Apple boss Steve Jobs told reporters: "It is a phenomenal opportunity to get iTunes in the hands of even more music lovers around the world and we think Motorola is the ideal partner to kick this off".
Motorola boss Ed Zander added: "We can't think of a more natural partnership than this one with Apple, the brand synonymous with easy-to-use, legal music downloading, and Motorola, the innovator in mobile technology. Being able to transfer songs you've purchased from iTunes to Motorola mobile handsets expands the market reach for both of us".
The new service could be up and running as soon as the New Year. Neither side seem to have committed to any exclusivity in the deal, meaning Apple could hook up with other phone manufacturers, while Motorola could offer a similar facility to Napster and Sony Connect customers.