After years of hearing about Qriocity (yeah, it’s a name that you can’t forget), Sony has launched a digital music service to accompany its current on-demand video offering.

Just announced, “Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity” will allow music lovers to stream millions of songs—six million to be exact. Aside from indie labels, you should also be able to find plenty of familiar bands, since the service includes music from Sony, EMI, Universal, and Warner Music Group.

All of those songs can be played on any computer, as well as web-enabled devices like BRAVIA HDTVs, Blu-ray players and the PS3, as well as portables, including Android-based devices. The service is an extension to Sony’s Video On Demand powered by Qriocity, which is part of the package on Sony’s 2010 networked HDTVs, Blu-ray players and Blu-ray home theater systems.

Qriocity is also compatible with digital files and playlists from other media players, including iTunes.

Now comes the sad part: Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity is only available in the UK and Ireland—for now. Sony plans to launch it in the U.S., as well as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and New Zealand sometime in 2011.

Basic monthly subscription plans start at 3.99 pounds Sterling (UK) and 3.99 Euros (Ireland). That translates to an average of $5.75 in U.S. dollars. This plan promises unlimited forward skipping and access to ad-free radio stations, similar to Pandora. Premium plans go for 9.99 (around $14 U.S.), which offers one-time 30-day access to all six million songs on-demand, allowing users to create playlists and full access to a selection of Top 100 channels.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.