Helio Launches Helio Music; Predicts Robust Growth
2/6/07 - Westwood-based mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Helio today announced the launch of Helio Music, the newest addition to Helio’s line-up of custom-built 3G mobile services. Since its launch in 2005, Helio has introduced multiple industry firsts, such as MySpace Mobile, GPS-enabled Google Maps service for mobile, Buddy Beacon and “Gifting & Begging,” allowing friends to share all of Helio’s downloadable content.
The company describes Helio Music as a full mobile over-the-air music download service architected from the ground up to be the richest mobile music store on the market. Helio also revealed that it is on the path to surpass 100,000 subscribers by early in the second quarter of 2007. In addition, the company claims that its customers generate average revenue per user (ARPU) of more than $100 per month, substantially above the industry average.
“Shopping for music on a phone from a major carrier is a little like browsing the music aisle at a department store – a lifeless experience watered down to the lowest common denominator,” said Sky Dayton, CEO of Helio. “Helio Music is a throwback to the corner record shop, combining great selection with a music-loving staff that can help you quickly find what you’re looking for, and a comfortable environment where it’s fun to just browse and discover.”
Helio says that the service features a robust library of the hottest tracks from thousands of well-known artists from major music labels like Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Sony BMG Music Entertainment and EMI Music, and allows members to browse artist bios and images, preview songs, view community recommendations, then download tracks over-the-air via a high speed 3G network.
The company also says that Helio Music features pervasive search that lets members find music by artist, album and song. Or, they can get recommendations by clicking on categories including Featured Songs, Top Music and New Releases, or browse the Helio Music library by genre. Features like Top Songs by Artist, Similar Artists and Song Recommendations also let members easily discover, preview and download new music.
Once on an artist page, a Helio member can see not only music tracks, but find Rings, music videos and VideoRings. With a single search, Helio Music lets members customize their mobile experience with music, plus all the other content available from their favorite artists.
Helio – www.helio.com
