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Unlimited radio streaming on Spotify comes to US Android users

Amber Sass

Amber Sass

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Spotify launched unlimited radio streaming on devices with iOS in the United States about a month ago. I’m not going to lie, I was really disappointed the announcement hadn’t included the same features for the Android OS.

Up until late June, Spotify’s mobile app was only available to paid, Premium subscribers. Users who didn’t want to pony up a monthly fee could enjoy free streaming from Spotify’s desktop app for Mac and Windows, but not from any mobile device.

Our day has come though, Android users! This week Spotify announced the free radio streaming for Android that rivals internet radio competitor, Pandora. After trying both and pitting them head-to-head, I can say without hesitation that this new app is worth a try, even for the most devoted Pandora users.

Spotify’s streaming service for Android is essentially identical to the features it launched in late June on iOS. Radio is one of the biggest new features available to free users in the US. Just pick a genre or an artist that you really like, and Spotify will tailor music selections to your preferences. If you like the song and want to hear more like it, just click the “thumbs up” button at the bottom of your screen. Much like the iTunes Genius feature, the goal is seamless music discovery simply by listening and stating your preference.

Much like Pandora though, free users will have to deal with ads between songs. You can skip five songs before you have to listen to what’s currently playing. Nothing too radical here. If you’re used to ads on Spotify’s desktop version, it’s an identical experience in the mobile app.

When it comes to user experience, Spotify’s Android app is really intuitive and easy to navigate. In the upper right corner of your screen, there’s a button that will reveal a list of options to choose from. You can search for music, browse your saved playlists, use the radio feature, see what’s new that other users are listening to lately, and even check your inbox or view your friends. The app integrates with Facebook so you can connect with all of your friends and see what they’re listening to.

You really can’t go wrong giving Spotify’s new, free radio streaming service a try on your Android device. Personally, I have a hunch my iPod’s about to start gathering dust, and my Galaxy Nexus will be perpetually in one hand.

Amber Sass

Amber Sass

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