Warning: Verizon Mobile Music Service Disables MP3s

6:03 am on January 8, 2006 | Category: Web Services, Mobile Devices

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Rumors have recently begun circulating about an annoying potential drawback of Verizon’s V Cast mobile music store, which is set to be launched on January 16th.

Apparently, handsets will no longer be able to play MP3 music files after being upgraded to work with the V Cast service. This is reportedly due to an agreement with Microsoft saying that to use Windows Media software with the service, Verizon would have to agree to make phones exclusive to the WMA file format.

Sources indicate that Verizon has no plans to warn subscribers of this little drawback before they sign on with the service. Users who complain about the lack of MP3 functionality will be quietly provided with a replacement handset, but statistically, the vast majority of users likely won’t complain.

If this is Verizon’s way of trying to please Microsoft while not alienating droves of customers, it’s a bit underhanded to say the least. Hopefully, there will be enough user outrage to make them give people some sort of warning before they upgrade, and save everyone a lot of trouble.

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    1. Hmmm… Pretty inflamatory, and highly unlikely. I would certainly recommend to MOCO news to confirm this rumor, particurly before posting under this headline: Warning: Verizon Mobile Music Service Disables MP3s

      Comment by Thomas Clairbourne — January 9, 2006 #

    2. Highly unlikely you say? CNET News and Engadget would beg to differ…

      Comment by Jeremy — January 9, 2006 #

    3. I would like to see how they spin this. It seems it should fall fully on Verizon…..

      Comment by Margaret — January 10, 2006 #

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