Spotify launches music download service with iPod sync, puts iTunes on notice

Look out iTunes, Spotify has just launched its new music download service in Europe. What's more, the company that had been synonymous with music streaming will let you sync your downloaded MP3 playlist bundles to your USB-connected iPod classic, nano, or shuffle via a new "Devices" section of the Spotify app running on your computer. And listen up freeloaders, Spotify Mobile iOS and Android app users can now sync playlists wirelessly without a premium subscription. Here's a quote from Daniel Ek, Spotify CEO, sure to create some angst in Cupertino:

"From today, Spotify really is the only music player you'll ever need. Our users don't want to have to switch between music players, but they do want to take their playlists with them wherever they go, on a wider range of devices, more simply and at a price they can afford. Now we've made that possible on one of the world's most popular consumer devices."

Spotify download prices for its nine million users of the free service (not premium subscribers) breaks down as follows:

• 10 tracks for €9.99 or €1.00 per track (£7.99 or just under 80p per track)
• 15 tracks for €12.99 or €0.87 per track (£9.99 / 67p)
• 40 tracks for €30.00 or €0.75 per track (£25 / 63p)
• 100 tracks for €60.00 or €0.60 per track (£50 / 50p)

All the new features will begin rolling out today as part of an automatic update. See the full press release after the break as well as a quick introduction video to get you started.

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Spotify launches music download service with iPod sync, puts iTunes on notice originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 May 2011 02:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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