Rdio to soon introduce new free music streaming service along with major app redesign
UPDATE: The new free music service and the new design have gone live in Rdio for iOS.
Rdio is readying a major update to its music streaming service, in a bid to better compete with the likes of industry leader Spotify and Apple’s recently acquired Beats Music.
The update, which ranges across Rdio’s Web, desktop and mobile apps, is set to focus on free and ad-supported radio stations not unlike those on Pandora and Apple’s iTunes Radio. According to The Verge:
Free users will see the web and mobile apps place near-total emphasis on Rdio’s ad-supported radio stations, including more than 60 programmed by new human curators, while seeing fewer pleas to upgrade to the premium version. And all users will have access to the service’s useful new “Home” feed, which offers Facebook-like stories about trending and notable artists, songs, and albums.
Rdio’s refocusing toward a freemium model comes as a result of a deal signed by Rdio a year ago with broadcaster Cumulus Media, which is set to sell ads on the service in the U.S. The ad-supported service is scheduled to be launched in 20 countries tomorrow, Sept. 4.
Along with its new free service, a major interface redesign featuring more white space is set to be introduced by Rdio with its upcoming update to its apps on the Web, desktop, and mobile.
Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, Rdio is available on the App Store for free.
