Rdio, a leading global music streaming service announced its launch in India today, offering a programmed, free internet radio experience which can be upgraded to a full on-demand subscription service for US$1.99 (INR 120) a month.
The service allows users to choose from a host of of curated stations, including the top labels in India, or create their own personalized stations. Users of Shazam and SoundHound can connect their Rdio account to enable their tracks to be added to Rdio playlists. Shazam users can also go beyond the preview and play full tracks on Rdio. Google Chromecast will cast Rdio content to the TVs from Rdio iOS, Android, and Web apps.
Many would view this as a sort of relaunch for the Indian music streaming service, Dhingana, which was shut in February last year before being acquired by the Rdio a month later.
“Last year Rdio acquired Dhingana and we set out to marry our Indian expertise and experience with the best global music platform. We are proud now to introduce Rdio to India,” said Snehal Shinde, VP of Emerging Markets at Rdio and co-founder of Dhingana.
Rdio’s catalog boasts over 32 million songs in 43 languages across global, regional, and local labels including Yash Raj, Sony Music, Warner Music Group, Universal Music, and T-Series, who had pulled its licensing agreement with Dhingana last year..
“India is the fastest growing Internet market in the world with one of the most vibrant cultures for music. We have built a strong local organization here, which is now our largest office and team outside the US,” said Anthony Bay, CEO of Rdio.
The streaming music space is expected to heat up in 2015 as consumers move away from buying digital downloads through Apple’s iTunes in favor of unlimited listening services.
Rdio will compete for the market share with Indian counterparts like Gaana, Saavn, Wynk Music, and Hungama who offer music and video streaming services for INR 110 (US$ 1.78) to INR 220 (US$ 3.55).
The Australian streaming service Guvera too launched in India last November after a series of launches in the Asian market last year.
You can download the Rdio app on Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or the Windows Phone Store.
See: SoundCloud is top pick for music streaming in emerging markets in Asia
This post Rdio enters India with a giant catalog of 32 million songs in 43 languages appeared first on Tech in Asia.
Rdio enters India with a giant catalog of 32 million songs in 43 languages
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