Move over iTunes, there is a new kid on the block.
iTunes has been the most commonly used computer media player
for years, used for playing, downloading and organising digital music and video
files. Music from iTunes was then synced from the computer to devices such as
the iPhone, iPod and iPad. Music and videos could be purchased from the iTunes
store for an average price of $2.00 per song. However, there is now an easier
way to access and download music.
I was recently introduced to Spotify. I had heard a little
about it when a friend returned from Sweden with it on her iPhone and didn’t
think much of it. Now I use it daily on both my computer and iPhone.
Spotify, founded by Swedish programmers is a cloud based online
music source that allows users to pay a monthly fee and have access to a wide
database of music. It is a friend-to-friend streamlining service this is user
friendly and functional. Once logged in, it allows you to listen to your music
wherever you are, as long as all playlists are synced with the device. Spotify
also allows you to share your music playlist with your peers. A quick, easy way
to connect to Spotify is through your Facebook account, which then allows your
friends on facebook to see what music you’re listening to, (I usually turn the
notifications off in case an embarrassing song comes on).
Warner Music Group says streaming services contributed 25 percent of the digital revenue
that its “recorded music” group saw last quarter. That works out to be about
$54 million, or about 8 percent of Warner’s total revenue for the period., http://allthingsd.com.
It is also predicted that Spotify will reach $889 million in revenue
since last year’s 2011 figures, www.adotas.com.
Spotify is taking over the music steaming industry, where will iTunes
stand in the future.
What would you
rather, pay a monthly fee of $11.99 for a premium Spotify account with
unlimited access to music or pay per song on iTunes?
Two very different models. I believe that as we get more used to using the "cloud" for other services, more of us will eventually decide that we don't actually have to own music tracks to listen to them. Remember the days of owning huge collections of movies on VHS or DVD? Or even collections of CDs? The move to digital, then online, can't really be stopped.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if Appe will eventually change their model and offer a subscription service instead?
I still have my collection of CD's sitting at home with my diskman, oh the days before iPods. With Spotify becoming increasingly popular, Apple have some competition with music. I think Apple will soon change and offer a subscription as it may be more beneficial for them.
DeleteHowever, i still have my collection of DVD's. Watching movies online takes foreeeeeever to download! Maybe there should be a subscription service for movies too?