The largest record label in the world is going to sell Akon’s newest album on mini flash memory cards. Universal, along with four other major record labels, is teaming up with Sandisk Corp. to market the new convenient format, which allows the tunes to be uploaded to digital music players, cell phones and some car stereos, without the need of a computer.
The music cards will be called slotMusic and will include extras such as videos, liner notes and cover artwork. The top hits will be marketed as impulse buys, able to sit right at the check-out taking up just a tiny space.
Universal plans to start with 30 albums expected to go on sale this year before the holiday season. The company says the price of the slotMusic albums will be similar to CDs.
Flash Memory Micro Albums
Akon's slotMusic
Trend Themes
1. Flash Memory Albums - The use of flash memory cards to distribute music albums provides a disruptive innovation opportunity in the music industry.
2. Convenient Format - The development of a new format that allows music to be easily uploaded to various devices without the need for a computer presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the technology industry.
3. Impulse Buy Marketing - The trend of marketing top hits as impulse buys at the check-out counter presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the retail industry.
Industry Implications
1. Music Industry - The music industry can explore the use of flash memory cards to distribute music albums, providing a convenient format for consumers.
2. Technology Industry - The technology industry can capitalize on the development of a new format that allows music to be easily uploaded to devices without the need for a computer.
3. Retail Industry - The retail industry can embrace the trend of marketing top hits as impulse buys at the check-out counter, capturing consumer attention and increasing sales.