Thursday, 15 September 2011
Digital music platforms MOG and Rdio both announced plans to introduce free versions of their streaming solutions, bringing the firms in line with rival Spotify, which rolled out free, ad-subsidized services when it launched in the U.S. in mid-July.
MOG will premiere its free, HTML5-based version today. Although the service eventually will integrate advertising, the company will eliminate all ads for the first 60 days. The free MOG touts access to more than 11 million songs--users do not need to install a client application and do not need to input their credit card information. The free service will instead incorporate FreePlay, a virtual "gas tank" built on game mechanics that enable users to earn free music in perpetuity by listening, sharing recommendations with friends via Facebook and interacting with the MOG platform.
The FreePlay tank illustrates how much free music is available to the user, offering an "earn music" option to refuel the tank as well as an "upgrade" option to move to the premium MOG Primo, which includes unlimited, ad-free music as well as access to MOG via mobile devices, consumer electronics and streaming entertainment devices.
Rdio announced its intentions to introduce a free service in an email sent to media Wednesday evening. Although the launch date is presently unknown, Rdio will offer free, on-demand streaming music access without advertising. The service will offer access to all Rdio content (more than 11 million songs) as well as exclusive features.
Late last month, Rdio introduced a new family subscription plan the company touts as the first discount package of its kind rolled out by a digital music provider. Rdio Unlimited Family enables subscribers to combine up to three Rdio accounts into one billing plan--two accounts are priced at $17.99 per month (10 percent off the regular monthly rate of $9.99) while three accounts cost $22.99 per month (a 23 percent savings). Consumers can also add additional accounts, albeit at the full $9.99 monthly price.
