More phone related news. Warner Music has entered into a partnership with Skype, the phone-calls-over-the-internet company, to offer users of the PC based phone system the chance to buy Warner artist ringtones. Skype users will be able to pick from a number of Warner artist tracks which will then play when they get a call via the internet phone network.
The Skype ringtone service will include a 'featured artist' section which will launch with a number of ringtones from Warner artist Madonna. Users will be able to buy ringtones of 'Like A Virgin', 'Vogue' or more recent hit 'Hung Up'.
Confirming the new ringtone deal, Warner Music Group's Executive VP Digital Strategy and Business Development, Alex Zubillaga, told reporters: "Warner Music Group is pleased to partner with Skype as they launch the first music personalization products in the internet voice calling category. We are excited that more than 70 million Skype users around the world will now have the ability to enjoy content from Warner Music Group artists. Furthermore, this agreement exemplifies our commitment to finding new ways our artists' music can be experienced across emerging platforms and distribution channels."
Originally developed by the same people who created the Kazaa P2P software, Skype was bought by eBay last year. The company will hope that ringtone packages such as that available via its partnership with Warner will help distinguish its service in what is sure to become an increasingly competitive area in the next few years.