Part of the Ovi by Nokia offering, the Nokia Music Store, with its compelling combination of download and streaming services, empowers you to connect to music you want, in the way you want.

With a single account, music lovers can access the Nokia Music Store via their desktop computer or directly from optimized Nokia devices beginning with the Nokia N81 and Nokia N95 8GB. You can browse for new music, get recommendations or search for your favorite artists, songs or albums all from the palm of your hand. Once a track captures your attention, you can add it to your wishlist to buy later or purchase it immediately for download to your device without having to download the same song again on your computer. You can also transfer purchased songs via your PC to compatible Nokia devices, including the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic and Nokia 5610 XpressMusic. You can pay by a variety of payment options, including credit cards, PayPal and pre-paid vouchers.

The Nokia Music Store is opening across key European markets this fall with additional stores in Europe and Asia opening over the coming months. Individual tracks will cost EUR 1.00 and albums from EUR 10.00, with a monthly subscription for PC streaming for EUR 10.00.

"The Nokia Music Store brings together a powerful combination of great music and great devices in an easy to use way. You can select from a huge range of music, including local music from your country, and download it directly to your Nokia device," said Tommi Mustonen, the head of Nokia's music activities. "You can choose between purchasing tracks a la carte via your Nokia device or computer, or you can stream an unlimited number of full length tracks to your computer. The unlimited streaming is a great way to discover new music and the integrated mobile and PC download service is a fantastic way to build a music collection that is always with you."

With millions of tracks from major labels, as well as thousands of independent labels from around the world, you can be sure to find music to match your mood. In addition, the Nokia Music Store aims to provide more locally relevant music than any other digital music store. If you want to see what others are enjoying, the Nokia Music Store provides a dynamic recommendations engine as well as genre-based instant playlists.

The Nokia Music Store also offers locally relevant music, in addition to international artists. "People don't just want the top global hits, but also music that is relevant to them, whether from local artists or songs in their own language. That's why we are working with thousands of major and independent labels to bring as many songs on the local top charts as possible to the Nokia Music Store in each country," explained Mr. Mustonen.

Lucian Grainge, Chairman/CEO of Universal Music Group International said: "It's obvious that innovation and imagination in the digital music download business are the keys to future growth. It's good for music - and good for our artists - that consumers can easily find and buy the songs they want, when they want. That's why we welcome the Nokia Music Store."

Tracks are typically delivered in high quality 192Kbps audio in Windows Media Audio (WMA) format. You can easily transfer your purchased songs to your Nokia device using Windows Media Player or with the new Nokia Music PC client available later this year. The Nokia Music PC client enables reverse synchronization of playlists, ripping from a CD to your device and PC simultaneously, as well as auto-synchronization of your purchased music and direct access to the Nokia Music Store. With the Nokia N81 and its integrated music player, you can create playlists and manage your music collection, including editing song and artist information, as well as adding your own choice of album artwork, all while on the move.