SanDisk launches Sansa Sessions -- music distribution by microSD, what else

SanDisk just dipped its toe into the digital content distribution waters with the launch of Sansa Sessions. Of course, this isn't an on-line storefront, it's flash-based naturally in support of SanDisk's core business. As such, the US-based program relies upon microSD cards to distribute DRM-free tracks of unspecified quality from more than 50 "emerging artists" on more than 30 labels. At the moment, the featured artists include All Time Low, Ladytron, Magnet, Nada Surf, Of Montreal and The Coup. SanDisk has tied a free, 55 track microSD "sampler" card (of el cheapo 512MB capacity, presumably) to the purchase of its 8GB Sansa Fuze MP3 player. While the $0 cost and DRM-free aspects of Sansa Sessions are certainly appealing to us, this seems best fitted as a record / artist promotional tool than it does a replacement for web-based or over-the-air music distribution.

[Flashpoint @ Mar 19th 2008 8:26AM]

"this seems best fitted as a record / artist promotional tool than it does a replacement for web-based or over-the-air music distribution."


That sentence sums it all up. Anyone who is into music production will more likely prefer to transfer their tracks digitally over the internet - or, if physical media is needed - a 700 MB CDR/RW. There is no way a micro SD card could be cheaper than a Rewriteable CD-R and to add to that - its size makes it easy to misplace. The same goes for people who are downloading tracks from the internet. Its easier to download to their zune/ipod without carrying around these chips.

[ScooterDe @ Mar 19th 2008 9:23AM]

...or, in the case of the iPod, flash cards are of no direct appeal. All the more reason why they can be used to promote MP3 players / PMPs that accept flash cards (it helps distinguish the player).
However, I see this is as a 'value-add' equivalent to bloatware on a new PC; of little value since this stuff is available online already and a 512MB card has little practical value.
Just another promotional move that got us gossiping...

[JohnTitor @ Mar 19th 2008 3:32PM]

hey 2GB cards are like $10 now maybe SanDisk is trying to get rid of the 512MB cards no one is buying. In any case Sansas support Rhapsody so it's not like this is the only option they're giving

[John Stracke @ Mar 19th 2008 5:14PM]

"maybe SanDisk is trying to get rid of the 512MB cards no one is buying." -- That would make sense. It's also a promo for the Fuze, of course; but, if all they wanted was to provide music for Fuze buyers, they could preload it.

Actually, it's also a promo for μSD (since most devices with μSD slots have onboard storage, so there are probably people who never bother trying it out) and a market test for the concept of distributing music on flash (which, of course, SanDisk would just love).

[Jagannath A @ Mar 19th 2008 8:39AM]

best way to move out piled up old inventory :p

[Nomi @ Mar 19th 2008 9:18AM]

...exactly what I was thinking.

[dj-kenpo @ Mar 19th 2008 9:07AM]

free is free and sounds good to me.

[dj-kenpo @ Mar 19th 2008 9:08AM]

I should say, I'd of prefered getting a 512mb sampler flash drive with my original rio pmp300 32mb instead of a cd... just sayin. impossible at the time, but just sayin.

[Deaner @ Mar 19th 2008 9:20AM]

Free is good, but are the cards re-recordable.

[Brodie @ Mar 19th 2008 9:21AM]

Nada Surf an emerging artist? They've already achieved One Hit Wonder status with the song "Popular".

I'm head of the class... I'm popular
I'm a quarter back... I'm popular
My mom says I'm a catch... I'm popular
I'm never last picked
I got a cheerleader chick

[eric @ Mar 19th 2008 12:32PM]

Same goes for Ladytron, Of Montreal, and The Coup...

Bands that once had limited audiences for a long time being marketed to larger ones. Not really emerging, just re-branding.

[Rick @ Mar 19th 2008 12:35PM]

Cool, I can listen to some tunes while holding my digital camera to my ear like I've always dreamed about!

[jackbrown @ Mar 20th 2008 2:11AM]

I actually think MicroSD is too small as a memory card format, for the purpose of distributing music or anything else. They're just too damn easy to lose and too hard to manipulate with your fingers. MiniSD is about the ideal size for a removable storage card, IMHO.

[John Stracke @ Mar 19th 2008 5:09PM]

Yup. I've got one in my phone, but I rarely take it out; it's just there to add more storage.

Sometime last year, at work, I found a 2GB μSD card that somebody had lost. I sent out email letting people know, and noted, "It comes to something when two gigs of storage can be stolen by an ant.".