Samsung’s come a long way from the days of its first Galaxy S device. Relying back then, out of necessity, on third parties like 7Digital and Kobo to provide a white label content platform. Time, fortune and the popularity of its Android devices has changed the company’s tack and with the unveiling of the Galaxy S III, it’s heading for a streamlined user experience that integrates hardware with in-house software. Although Music Hub has already launched overseas in several European countries as part and parcel of its latest flagship, that service is now finally ready for primetime in the US.
Built upon the mSpot tech it acquired this past May, the company’s freemium service combines the best of both worlds, offering non-paying users access to a digital storefront loaded up with millions of tracks from all four major labels (and some indies, too), a web-based player, as well as the ability to store purchased music remotely and offline for “registered devices.” Whereas, the subscription version builds upon those gratis goods by adding personalized radio stations, free streaming and an iTunes-like “Scan & Match” feature to the mix for $10 monthly.
Ever cognizant of the already crowded digital music platforms provided by rivals, Samsung’s tricking out this stateside debut with some goodies for the curious: a 30-day trial and one free album of their choosing. It’s a nice incentive, for sure, but with so many already entrenched in the musical realms of rivals — iTunes, Google Play and Spotify, for starters — adoption of this new ecosystem’s going to be a hard sell indeed. Click on past the break for the lowdown on this me-too, mobile music offering.
Continue reading Samsung Music Hub launches on Galaxy S III stateside with free trial in tow
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Samsung Music Hub launches on Galaxy S III stateside with free trial in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 12:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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The Samsung Music Hub is an application that allows Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 users to stream music online. Users simply log into the site, and select songs to listen to. It is also a music subscription service, but new users can opt to register for a 1-month free trial, should they choose to avail. But if a new report is true, then Samsung could launch the service to non-Samsung devices very soon. According to The Next Web, Samsung is planning to expand its Music Hub service to other manufacturers. (more…)
