Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Thursday, 14 August 2008 20:07
Opinion and Analysis
Page 2 of 3
Sanity says that it “heralds a new way for music aficionados to enjoy a massive selection of music for the lowest cost available”, although clearly they mean in a legal sense, which is hardly surprising given Sanity is a music retailer!
Downloaded tracks can be accessed from “up to three PCs and two portable media players”, which Sanity is billing as allowing users to “enjoy their music in the office, in their home or on the move.”
A 14-day trial is available to allow consumers “to see just how easy and convenient the service can be”, and in addition to the subscription service, songs can also be purchased outright, although why anyone would do this when BigPond now offers 256Kbps and 320Kbps MP3 tracks without DRM is unclear.
What does Sanity’s CEO have to say about the new, if belated, service – and how do you access it if you’re interested?
Ray Itaoui, CEO of Sanity Entertainment said that: “The Sanity LOADIT service is a natural extension of our music stores and makes online music even more accessible for the masses – it’s a rich, vibrant and easy-to-use experience that reflects the excitement of our stores.”
Itaoui added that: “The service will also give consumers freedom and choice because it lets you listen to vast amounts of music across many different personal music players. For a monthly fee of only $29 - less than the price of two CDs - you’ll be able to access up to 300 new tracks each and every month.”
LOADIT is now available “directly through Windows Media Player 11”, with Sanity claiming that the service “will be faster and more searchable than existing online music stores”, with the LOADIT website’s “
download page” explaining that you need only load up Windows Media Player 11, click on the “Media Guide” and select the LOADIT icon to start the download and installation process.
John Gillhespy, Consumer Partner Development Manager, Microsoft Australia said that: “The vast majority of PCs use Windows Media Player, and it has become one of the most popular ways for people to enjoy digital music. Using Sanity LOADIT is like adding an entire music store to your PC that offers access to all the music you could want, 24x7, along with information on bands and playlists.”
Continued on page 3.
