Spotify Headed to Web, No Price Cuts

by Christopher Freeburn | September 10, 2012 11:51 am

Streaming music service Spotify will reportedly debut a platform allowing users to access the service through their Web browsers without installing any software[1].

Until now, Spotify users could listen to streaming music on their desktops by downloading a Spotify software program, which would run in the background, CBS News noted. Spotify also offers apps for mobile devices running Google‘s (NASDAQ:GOOG[2]) Android operating system and Apple‘s (NASDAQ:AAPL[3]) iOS.

The shift toward a Web-based streaming service for desktops might encourage new subscribers who don’t want to install a program on their desktops, including people who listen to music at work where such downloads might be prohibited.

Sources indicated that the company, which charges users between $5 and $10 a month for its premium service, is unlikely to reduce prices based on the shift to a Web-based platform.

Streaming music rivals Pandora (NYSE:P[4]), AOL‘s (NYSE:AOL[5]) AOL Music and Rdio, all use Web-based platforms and don’t require downloading and installing separate software.

The marketplace for streaming music is getting more competitive. Last week Nokia (NYSE:NOK[6]) announced that it would launch Nokia Music, the struggling Finnish handset maker’s second attempt a music service[7].

Also, rumors are circulating that Apple is considering the launch of its own streaming music service. News of that possibility sent Pandora shares down sharply last week[8]. They are down another 4% in Monday morning trading.

Source URL: http://investorplace.com/2012/09/spotify-headed-to-web-no-price-cuts/
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