JB Hi-Fi says it will have between 6 and 8 million tracks from 100,000 artists when JB Hi-Fi NOW launches by the end of this year. The service will directly challenge Sony’s Qriocity Music Unlimited service, despite the fact that Sony is one of JB Hi-Fi’s biggest brands.
JB Hi-Fi CEO, Terry Smart, said “The service will allow for unlimited access and listening to music from your Mac, PC or mobile device.” The company says the mobile version for phones and tablets will arrive shortly after the initial launch.
No pricing was discussed, but it’s worth noting that Sony charges $5 a month for a basic plan that works like an ad-free radio station that lets subscribers listen to channels based around genre or mood. The premium plan, which costs $13 a month, allows users to listen to music on demand, create personal playlists and access to Top 100 channels.
JB’s news comes as it reported a 7.55 per cent decline in yearly profits. To help boost sales, they’ll also soon let you order online and pick-up in store. [Australian Stock Exchange (PDF)]