New techniques are currently being trialled to combat the problem of the illegal mp3 music downloading. One is being backed by massive R & B producer, Timbaland. Recognising that people want cheap, affordable ways to get their mp3 music and using the latest technology to provide this, he has joined forces with Verizon Wireless network in a ground breaking deal to release mobile only music.



Timabaland will release one track per month, only available to subscribers of V Cast, Verizon's mobile entertainment service. Consumers who want to obtain mp3 music often do so illegally, costing the music industry millions but it has been found that they are more willing to pay anything up to 3 pounds for a track downloaded to their mobile phone.

R & B songs are the hot favourite for music downloads and ringtones of late and Timbaland will be putting his tracks into the public domain for a bargain price of 1 pounds per track. It is perfectly legal to then transfer this music to a computer, thus reducing the need for the more risky way to collect mp3 music.

It seems music downloads to mobiles is the way to go as these types of sales rose by 32% in Japan last year, bringing with it an 87 pounds million industry. The UK has the largest concentration of mobile phones which are music enabled but consumers are restricted by download prohibitions. Leading the way here is Nokia who are to provide a service with unlimited downloads and it is hoped this will kick-start the industry here.

More legal solutions to consumers who wish to download mp3 music are coming from the Far East with Google's new feature it is preparing to add to its Chinese search site. It is a system whereby it will be legal to download music and keep it in whichever format you wish. The money will be made from advertising. The idea is to use free music to help sell ads and then split the proceeds with music copyright owners.

It is reported that Google have already managed to get Universal Music Group on board with this idea but some believe this to be questionable. They are currently trying to gain the support of other music companies and calm their fears that they will lose out. Legitimate music sales in China are minimal so it really shouldn't affect the business that much, other than to improve it.

More news from China regarding the consumers who like to download music is the latest invention dubbed an 'ePod' or 'green Pod'. It comprises a wind up mp3 music player that is environmentally friendly. Saving on electricity usage this latest gadget can be recharged by the use of a wind up handle on the back.

One minute's worth of winding can be enough to support 40 minutes of music listening and can play for an incredible 20 hours before needing a full charge again. The Eco Media Player can store up to 500 songs and also doubles as an emergency mobile phone charger, useful until they bring in the wind up mobile phone that is currently being worked on.

It would seem that the new advances in the industry should benefit fans who are looking for mp3 music as well as record companies and the environment. Consumers should be able to download music as cheaply as possible while remaining within the law, record companies have a choice of ways to supply music while still making a profit and with a wind up music player or phone we can all do our bit for the environment.