British DAB radio manufacturer PURE has today announced a cloud-based music service that will allow customers to identify and buy songs they hear on compatible PURE radios.
The service, dubbed FlowSongs, will be available from all of the company's web-connected products when it launches as part of a UK-exclusive beta on August 16th.
Described as "the first of a range of new services," FlowSongs will allow users to "tag" tracks airing on digital, FM or Internet radio, with the option of then purchasing their chosen songs direct from the radio.
PURE's tagging service is powered by Shazam, and individual tracks - usually priced between 79p and £1.29p - are made available to PURE customers via the 7digital online music store.
Purchased tracks can be streamed to an unlimited number of compatible PURE radios, and they can also be downloaded to a PC or Mac for use on your iPod or MP3 player.
PURE states that whilst tracks are streamed over the Internet at a 128kbps bitrate, "the vast majority" of downloaded tracks will be offered as higher-quality DRM-free 320kbps MP3s.
The seemingly easy-to-use service could be attractive to users daunted by the prospect of PC-based music stores. However, in order to use FlowSongs, consumers will be required to create an online account and subscribe to the service at an annual cost of £2.99. A free 90-day trial is available, but the yearly fee will enable users to identify and tag an unlimited number of tracks.
FlowSongs will be made available to PURE web-connected radios - including the AVANTI Flow, EVOKE Flow, Oasis Flow, Sensia, Siesta Flow and Sirocco 550 - via a firmware update in the coming weeks. Further details are available at PURE.com/FlowSongs.
