Nokia, Microsoft in Compatibility Pact

NEW YORK (AP) _ Nokia Corp. on Monday said it reached a long-term agreement to ensure easy connection and music content flow between its handsets and computers that use Microsoft Corp.'s Windows XP

Monday, February 14th 2005, 10:36 am

By: News On 6

NEW YORK (AP) _ Nokia Corp. on Monday said it reached a long-term agreement to ensure easy connection and music content flow between its handsets and computers that use Microsoft Corp.'s Windows XP operating system.

The Finland-based cell phone maker said the agreement will help wireless customers to use a mobile music service launched by Nokia and Loudeye Corp. on both Nokia handsets and computers with Windows XP. The service will enable consumers to search, listen, download and buy music through an operator-branded music application on their handsets, and avoid compatibility problems with Windows XP-based computers.

Nokia said it will support Windows media audio, Windows media digital rights management 10 and media transfer protocol on its handsets, and will include support for MPEG advanced audio coding in Windows Media Player through a plug-in.

Wireless operators will be able to brand their music service when it is integrated into Windows Media Player, Nokia said.