Files with a KOZ file extension contain audio information and are associated with mobile phone music downloads. This format works only on specific types of phones, not on conventional digital music players or personal computers. However, some music distributors offer a free audio file in a PC-playable format after your KOZ purchase is complete.
Origin
- The KOZ file format was developed in the early 2000s by Chaoticom, a spinoff company from the University of New Hampshire. Both Groove Mobile and the Sprint Music Store used this format for downloadable music on cellular phones. NMS Communications purchased Groove Mobile in 2008, leaving Sprint as the primary supplier of music in KOZ format as of October 2011.
Compatibility
- Files in KOZ format work only on the device originally used to purchase and download them, or on a related device using the same account. The KOZ audio format works only with some cell phones, primarily smartphone devices. You can transfer KOZ files from one device to another by swapping the phones' Micro SD cards or by selecting “Web Sync” from the Player tab in the Sprint Music Store. This option allows you to re-download all music you have previously purchased.
Free WMA
- While KOZ files don't work on computers or music players, Sprint does make a corresponding WMA file available to users who have already purchased the KOZ audio. These files work using Microsoft Windows Media Player or other programs compatible with this file type. You may need to download special software to transfer the WMA file from your Sprint account to the computer.
Warning
- While you can install software to convert KOZ files downloaded from your phone to WMA, MP3 or other formats, doing so is illegal. By converting the file, you violate the provider's digital rights management and other copy protection methods. Contact Sprint or another provider to get access to a computer-playable file instead of converting music at home.
