Spotify launches download service


4 May 2011

Cloud music-streaming service Spotify is now offering a music download service, is expanding its mobile app to free customers and can now sync with any iPod.

The service is highly popular within the countries it’s available in, such as Finland, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK. It is currently looking to expand to the US. There is currently no word on when it is coming to Ireland.

Spotify’s new MP3 download service will now let users buy songs directly from its service. It normally only allows users make a playlist of music from its cloud storage.

According to Engadget, free users can download 10 tracks for €9.99, 15 tracks for €12.99, 40 tracks for €30 or 100 tracks for €60.

Users can now sync Spotify to iPod Nano, Shuffle and Classic devices by connecting one to their computers. It will then appear on the new ‘Devices’ section of the Spotify bar.

Spotify has also expanded its Spotify Mobile iPhone and Android apps to free customers to let them wirelessly sync their playlists to their phones or iPod touches. It was previously only available to premium customers.

“From today, Spotify really is the only music player you’ll ever need,” said Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify.

“Our users don’t want to have to switch between music players, but they do want to take their playlists with them wherever they go, on a wider range of devices, more simply and at a price they can afford. Now we’ve made that possible on one of the world’s most popular consumer devices.”

iTunes rival

These latest features are strong efforts from Spotify to rival iTunes as it pushes to move into the lucrative US market, said Ovum principal analyst Mark Little.

“The new Spotify service is a direct attack on Apple’s precious iPod hinterland, and one which stands considerable chance of success,” said Little.

“Spotify has supercharged its already powerful music streaming proposition by opening up the Spotify mobile app to all comers and offering them a music management app that syncs wirelessly, and provides a download proposition designed around the highly popular playlist. 

“Music labels will not be unhappy that iTunes is at last getting more direct competition but Apple is yet to launch their own cloud-based music service and could still take a 30pc cut of some of Spotify’s music revenues if they were to apply their new subscription policy.

“However, this move into Apple’s backyard is sure to improve the chances of success for Spotify in North America and no doubt its valuation as well. Nerves will be jangling in Cupertino,” said Little.