AT&T presses play on new music service

LAS VEGAS--AT&T launched a new service on Wednesday that enhances the music experience on its cell phones and brings the ability to stream radio and download music, among other things.

Developed by PacketVideo, the AT&T Music application combines an array of services into one app, including:

• The ability to preview, purchase, and download songs or entire albums right from the phone

• Access to 40 commercial-free radio stations based on genre
  

• Music/artist identification services, either by searching by lyrics or holding your phone up to a radio or TV
  

• Customization of unlimited personal radio stations

AT&T says that it plans to enable full song and album downloads through direct deals with Sony Music Entertainment, EMI Music, and indie music distributor The Orchard, with additional content partners to be announced at another time.

AT&T Music is available now for three of the carrier's Quick Messaging devices--the LG Xenon, the Samsung Solstice, and the Samsung Impression--either through the AT&T App Center or by texting MUSIC to 7299. AT&T said support for additional devices is coming soon,  and beginning this summer, it will start preloading the app on devices.

AT&T Music costs $6.99 per month and you must have an unlimited data plan, and song and album purchases are charged a la carte.