Rdio Updates for Android 4.0 as Mobile Music Heats Up
Rdio, the digital music service started by the creators of Skype, has unveiled their redesigned Android app. It’s available for download from the Android Market in US, Canada, Brazil, Germany, Australia and New Zealand —or as an update for those already using the service. It requires a Rdio Unlimited subscription to access the full service on mobile devices.
Some features included in the overhauled app are collections, playlists, new releases, top charts, recommendations, and support for Android Ice Cream Sandwich’s new remote control client. Android users can not only have immediate access to Rdio’s list of 12 million songs, but can leverage with its social features and extensive music discovery options as well.
“With the Rdio for Android redesign, we were focused on bringing Android users the best mobile music discovery application possible,” said Malthe Sigurdsson, VP of Product, Rdio. “We believe this launch further reinforces our commitment to creating the most visual, social and interactive experience of music across every platform.”
Rdio offers flexible subscription plans for continued access across a growing number of devices. Plan options include:
• Rdio Unlimited, $9.99/month: Unlimited Web and mobile streaming on all available devices, as well as wireless syncing to listen offline
• Rdio Unlimited Family: 2-3 person Rdio Unlimited accounts on one plan for discounted rate (2 for $17.99/month or 3 for $22.99/month)
• Rdio Web, $4.99/month: Unlimited Web streaming and access through Mac/Windows desktop apps
Mobile Music Mayhem
Meanwhile, Spotify’s having it tough these days because of the criticism it’s getting, despite dramatic growth. Three of the biggest albums in 2011 by Adele, Coldplay and Black Key were not available on the service or any of its rivals to avoid cannibalizing iTunes sales. “Spotify competes with download stores,” says Coldplay’s manager, Dave Holmes. Still, props to Spotify for earning the love of Warner Music chair Edgar Bronfman Jr., while he calls Google Music an “oxymoron.”
Rhapsody’s also eager to take over the mobile space, having recently launched a new tablet app to push original editorial content, helping it distinguish its brand from other digital music services. Pandora is also set to benefit from Facebook’s upcoming IPO, along with Zynga and Groupon though users are still complaining of its being pricey despite having 125 million users.
Futhermore, iTunes dealt with a few cloud problems with its song match service a few days ago. Songs that user uploaded to the service was unavailable for streaming or download. Apple also kicked out China’s most popular browser, Qihoo, out of iTunes.
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