Popular European music-streaming service Spotify has now officially launched in the United States, along with the iOS app. The service and accompanying application provide users with access to a library of approximately 15 million music tracks. In addition to online streaming capabilities, iOS device users can sync their Spotify playlists to their device to listen even when no Internet connection is available and wirelessly sync their local music collection to merge it with the Spotify cloud.
The app also includes the ability to create and sync playlists, receive music from friends via the inbox, star favourite tracks and scribble tracks to the Last.fm service.
The service is launching in the U.S. initially in an invite-only beta phase during which the company will be offering three plans: Spotify Free, its free ad-supported music service, Spotify Unlimited which provides ad-free PC-based access for $5/month and Spotify Premium which provides full online and offline access from a computer or mobile device along with enhanced sound quality and access to exclusive content for $10/month.
Users can request an invitation from the Spotify web site for access to the free service or sign up directly for the Unlimited or Premium services without requiring an invite. The Spotify app is available as a free download from the U.S. App Store.
