NASDAQ: MPPP - 2,500 Songs on MP3.Com to be Offered by First International Digital in the Rich-Media MP3i Format
SAN DIEGO, July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- In conjunction with the MP3 Summit 2001 in San Diego this week, First International Digital, Inc. (FID), a Motorola spin-off, known for their innovative irock! line of mp3 players, announces that it has signed an agreement with MP3.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: MPPP - news) for MP3i content. MP3i, a patent-pending technology developed by FID and partner Songdog Network, Inc., gives music service providers - artists, labels, and digital music companies - the power to bundle rich media with mp3 files, thereby enhancing the customer experience and adding value to streaming and downloadable products and services. MP3i enables the combination of music and synchronized lyrics, artist info, liner notes, promotions, and purchase opportunities, while remaining backward compatible with the mp3 format.
As part of the agreement, MP3.com is providing FID with more than 2,500 of its most popular content for encoding in the MP3i format, fusing synchronized lyrics with the music. MP3.com will provide hosting services for the music on FID's website, www.myirock.com, where users will be able to download the content for free. Consumers may view the rich media content on a PC or on the road. For PC applications, the company offers a simple proprietary jukebox player or a Winamp plug-in - both available for free download from the website. Alternatively, users can download MP3i files from the PC to their irock! 600 series players for lyric display on a mobile device. irock! 600 series players were recently introduced and are available on the company's website or through several popular online retailers.
``This partnership creates critical mass for the MP3i format and provides our customers with free premium content. We continue to have success with the proliferation of the MP3i standard through content partnerships as well as OEM decoder licensing agreements. Our first generation MP3i Encoder Pro package is now available to content providers who prefer to create their own interactive mp3's,'' said Randy Cavaiani, vice president of marketing and sales at FID.
``We are excited to utilize technologies such as those created by First International Digital that enhance user experiences and enjoyment,'' said Steve Sheiner, executive vice president of sales and marketing at MP3.com. ``This agreement brings added functionality to music fans and extends it beyond the confines of the desktop.''
ABOUT MP3.COM
MP3.com, Inc. has created a unique and robust technology infrastructure designed to facilitate the storage, management, promotion and delivery of digital music. As the industry's premier Music Service Provider (MSP), the company is dedicated to providing consumers with access to music when they want it, where they want it, using any web-enabled device. The company's website hosts what MP3.com believes is the largest collection of digital music available on the Internet, with more than 1 million songs and audio files posted from over 150,000 digital artists and record labels. Dedicated to growing the digital music space, the company's products and services include on-demand Subscription Music Channels, an innovative Business Music Services program, a Syndicated Radio Program and others. Additionally, through the company's MP3 technology initiative and its music InterOperating System, MP3.com is partnering with a variety of forward-looking businesses to expand its digital music strategy. MP3.com's common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq National Market under the ticker symbol MPPP. MP3.com is a trademark or service marks of MP3.com, Inc. Other trademarks or service marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. The company is based in San Diego, California. For more information on MP3.com, visit www.mp3.com.
ABOUT FIRST INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL
First International Digital, Inc. (www.myirock.com), a Motorola spin-off headquartered near Chicago, is a global multimedia company with nearly 100 software patents in audio, video, speech and communications technology. FID recently announced the patent-pending MP3i technology, with intuitive products and tools to allow the publishing and decoding of MP3i rich media files. Products include the MP3i Encoder Pro package for content providers, the MP3i OEM Decoder SDK for OEM developers, and the innovative irock! 600 series digital audio player with synchronized lyrics for consumers. First International Digital is privately financed by a number of institutional investors including Motorola, Via Technologies, and First International Computer. The company completed its second round of financing in October 2000.
Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements may include references to activities and events expected to occur in connection with MP3.com's proposed MP3 Summit 2001, as well as any products, anticipated events or services described in connection therewith, herein, or any benefits expected therefrom. These statements involve a high degree of risk and uncertainty, are only predictions, and actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences include risks related to: MP3.com's litigation proceedings, including without limitation the inability to reach settlement with all parties to such proceedings; risks related to activities or events expected to occur in connection with MP3.com's proposed MP3 Summit 2001, as well as the products and services described in connection therewith or herein; the consummation of the contemplated business combination with Vivendi Universal, including the risk that the required regulatory clearances or other closing conditions might not be timely obtained, or satisfied; MP3.com's new and uncertain business model; acceptance of MP3.com's products and services; MP3.com's limited operating history; and MP3.com's rapid growth, as well as other risks detailed from time to time in MP3.com's reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 and its most recent report on Form 10-Q.
For more information contact:
Marc Mombourquette
Brodeur Worldwide for First International Digital, Inc.
617.587.2037
mmombo@brodeur.com
Greg Wilfahrt
MP3.com
858.623.7280
pr@mp3.com
:=) Gary Swancey
AI
