Sony launches iTunes rival in New Zealand

Update: The service in now live in New Zealand. 

The cloud-based, digital music service offers access “at any time” to a growing catalogue from major labels like Universal, Sony, Warner Music Group and EMI as well as independent labels and major publishers worldwide.

The trouble is that Sony’s new service is not “any time” access as there’s currently no way to listen to your collection on a mobile device.

Sony says users can play music through the new service on a variety of Internet-connected Sony devices including 2010 and 2011 network-enabled Bravia TVs, Blu-ray players, PlayStation 3, VAIOs and other PCs.

I don’t know about you, but when I’m home I have all my music easily available to play on a number of devices already. And I don’t need a subscription to listen to it.

“It will also become available on a wide range of Sony's portable devices, as well as on Sony and third-party Android-based mobile devices and other portable devices,” said Sony. That's more like it.

The service debuted in the UK and Ireland in December 2010 with France, Germany, Italy and Spain following in January 2011. There will be around six million songs available at launch.

A Basic monthly subscription plan will cost NZ$5.99 with Premium costing NZ$13.99 per month.

The Basic plan works as an infinite ad-free radio station and subscribers can listen to dozens of personalised channels, without the requirement to download or manage their music files.

The Premium subscription plan offers a one-time 30 day Premium free trial enabling users to listen in full to every song on demand, create personal playlists and access to premium Top 100 channels which are regularly updated with the latest hits.

PlayStation Network account holders can use their existing PSN log-in ID & wallet to access the service.

You can also synchronise existing music files and playlists from other media players including iTunes.

If you've got any questions, shout out in the comments and we'll pass them onto Sony.