Rdio: More Australian launch details coming 'œvery soon'

Brenton Currie
Saturday, 14 January 2012 10:14

Your IT - Entertainment

A representative for music streaming service Rdio says the the American-based startup will have more information 'very soon' about an Australian launch.

rdio launches in Australia

Earlier this week it was reported that the site - which previously blocked Australian users because of a lack of licensing deals for the region - had begun allowing sign-ups from Australian residents ahead of an anticipated launch sometime this year.

However those first into the service were left dismayed by the somewhat patchy covering of songs, with many popular hits showing as 'Not Available' in the Australian region. Rdio also remained mum on the news, with the company not mentioning the launch on any of its social networking profiles or corporate blog.

When asked for comment, an Australian representative of the company confirmed that the site is now open, and that more 'local partnerships' will be detailed in the near future.

'We are in the process of updating our content offering in order to meet the needs of Australian listeners and plan to share details about the brand's Australian launch and associated local partnerships very soon,' the Rdio spokesperson told iTech Report.

Rdio offers two premium subscription plans - one at AU$12.90 that includes both web and mobile music streaming, and another for $8.90 that allows for web and desktop streaming only.

It enters the Australian market at a time in which other providers are beginning to eye music streaming as the next big thing, with Australian retailer JB Hi-Fi recently launching its own web-based music streaming platform JB Hi-Fi NOW with a large catalogue of music. Mobile apps for JB Hi-Fi's solution are also in the works.

Hit European and American music service Spotify is also rumoured to be eyeing an entrance in the Australian market soon, although the company is still refusing to comment publicly on its plans for local customers.