14 DAY TRIAL // Virgin Mobile USA announced the launch of an interactive mobile music magazine, called Headliner. The magazine gives customers on-demand access to a full range of music-related content including up-to-date artist news, charts, concert dates and interactive search and community features.
The mobile application delivers a database of thousands of artists and bands from every music genre, upcoming concert tour dates, music festival coverage, and albums and shows directly to the mobile phone. Once downloaded, Headliner will provide access to extensive daily content including Billboard music charts, exclusive artist profiles, biographies, discographies and breaking news. Users can choose to receive SMS notifications about concerts and tours coming to their area, or search anytime for concert information based on a city or artist including times, dates and opening acts.
Virgin Mobile customers downloaded more than 14.8 million ringtones in 2006 and more than 4.6 million in the first quarter of 2007. The company recently sold its 50 millionth ringtone. "These numbers illustrate that our customers have a desire to be connected to music through their cell phone, an important and intimate vehicle in their lives," said Howard Handler, chief marketing officer, Virgin Mobile USA. "Our mobile music strategy is all about discovery and access for our customers, who consider music to be an essential part of their lives. We've designed Headliner to provide an easy, convenient way to get information about favorite artists and hot new acts. And Headliner can be personalized as the customer inputs those artists and bands of most interest," Howard Handler said.
Virgin Mobile customers can now download Headliner to handsets including the Switchback, Cyclops, Slice, Slider Sonic and Snapper. Users can test Headliner for 14 days without paying subscription charges. If they want to continue to use the service they can do that for $2.49/month.