In what has seemingly become the norm for App Store approval, Spotify recently aired their frustration at Apple's unpredictable process, noting the extended time their iPhone app has been through the pipeline. Shortly after airing the complaint, an App Store rep has now confirmed that the mobile streaming application has been approved and will be rolled out across iTunes stores in countries where the service is available.
Much of the issue with Spotify (along with similar services like Rhapsody, who also has an app undergoing approval) has been centered along the level of threat it represents to iTunes, Apple's own music download service. For $10 a month, Spotify users can enjoy unlimited music streaming, with some amount of leeway for offline caching, allowing users to listen to songs even without a live internet connection.
Currently available in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Britain, France and Spain, the service is expected to roll out in the US before the end of the year, providing a litmus test to see what kind of effect it will have on the online music market. The Spotify app will allow iPhone owners to listen to their playlists on their mobile handset, along with performing regular functions, such as searching songs, editing playlists and more.
With an inventory of over six million tunes, all of which can be accessed over the web anytime users want to, it definitely sounds like a more attractive deal compared to paying for every song that you download. With Rhapsody (and, undoubtedly, a few more) also coming to the iPhone, expect this space to be particularly competitive, with potential repercussions to some of Apple's business.
[via Wired]
Finally! Lets hope these apps work out great and see if it gives itunes some trouble. I think $10 for unlimited streaming for month is really a steal.
Spotify will really face some tough competition from Rhapsody. Rhapsody being hugely popular and having a wide collection, Spotify will have to bring some good offers to attract customers.