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Imagination Technologies, the company behind the Pure Digital radio brand, is to build music download technology into future products to allow listeners to buy copies of songs they've just heard.

And since Imagination makes DAB digital radio components for other manufacturers too, there's a good chance the download system, developed by media group UBC, will be available to an even broader range of listeners.

UBC's technology, now called Cliq, was launched a year ago as a trial service linked to Heart FM. Cliq essentially sends out an encrypted version of the song the host radio station is currently playing, along with the code needed to allow the listener to buy it. Purchased songs can be transferred to a PC and to compatible media players.

Imagination claimed Pure has more than 20 per cent of the UK DAB radio market and it's technology can be found in a good portion of the rest, so expect to see Cliq support in a wide range of radios when the service finally goes live on a commercial basis.

Unfortunately, UBC wouldn't say when that will take place, though it did claim more radio listeners will be able to make use of Cliq than folk who today tune into Heart. Cliq is also currently available via Virgin Media's Lobster phone, reviewed here.

Pure will certainly promote the service, not least because Imagination is going to be taking a cut of the revenues taken by UBC from song sales. Neither company would say anything more about the financial terms underpinning their partnership.

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