Sony's Music Streaming Service: What Were They Thinking?!

17.02.2011
Sony is getting into the cloud-based game -- but its plan of attack seems almost built for failure.

Sony's new service, called , launches in the U.S. today. And aside from its practically unpronounceable name (CURE-ee-ossity? KWHIR-ossity? Queer-ee-oh-CITY?), there really isn't much noteworthy about it.

Harsh words, I know. But read on, and I think you'll agree.

First, the basics: Sony's Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity allows you to stream music over the Net without having to purchase individual songs. You pay a flat monthly fee -- $9.99 for the full-featured "premium" plan -- and stream all you want. In order words, it's . Or . Or any of the other subscription-based streaming services already available in the States.

Unlike most of those services, however, Sony's Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity doesn't actually let you stream your tunes anywhere you want. As of now, it's limited only to use on Internet-connected Sony devices -- things like Sony Bravia TVs, Sony Blu-ray players, and Sony Playstation consoles.