Universal to Launch Pocket CD Format

Universal Music is launching a new format – the pocket CD – in a bid to revive flagging single sales and exploit rising demand for mobile phone ring-tones. The first pocket CDs will be less than half the size of conventional CDs, and will be launched later this month.

These CDs, compatible with all existing players, would also include codes for downloading ring-tones. Universal’s pocket CD project, piloted in Germany and the UK, follows extensive negotiations with retailers over stocking the new format. Asda, the UK supermarket group owned by Wal-Mart, is expected to be one of the launch outlets.

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