SAN FRANCISCO – Canadian radio got some new competition this week after music streaming service Rdio launched its commercial-free service here with a promise that it will be “free forever”.
Drawing from 20 million tracks, the service’s personalized streaming stations are now free on mobile to all iOS and Android users, even those whose subscriptions or trials have ended. Since launching in August, nearly 2.3 million stations have been created. Station types are based on artists, songs, 400+ genres, and You FM, a personalized station based on individual listening habits.
"Station plays are up over 50 percent since our launch in August," said Rdio CEO Drew Larner, in the announcement. "We're excited to make one of our most popular features available to everyone for free, forever."
Non-stop listening for free on Rdio's stations is available on Rdio for iOS and Android in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The app is available at the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Launched in August 2010, Rdio is headquartered in San Francisco and was founded by Janus Friis, the co-creator of Skype. It is currently available in 31 countries.