Initially launched in 2008 in the U.S. Spotify was opened up to Australia in May 2012, providing a commercial music streaming service from record labels including Sony, EMI, Warner Music Group and Universal. One of the best parts about using a service like Spotify is that it is 100% legal.
Boasting straight forward navigation, Spotify lets you search for music similar to how you might do a “Google Search”. You can search by Artist, Album, Record Label, Genre or Song Title, and if you’re not sure about what you feel like listening to, there is also a “Top List”, which gives you access to current and most popular tracks. To play your selection, it is as easy as double clicking on the title which will stream it to your device of choice.
The system is currently available using Microsoft Windows, OS X, Linux, Telia Digital-tv, iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Windows Phone, Onkyo, S60 (Symbian), webOS, Samsung Smart TV, Squeezebox, Boxee, Sonos, WD TV, Roku, MeeGo, and TiVo. Spotify is also integrated with Facebook which adds a social element to your listening.
Spotify is available in three different membership types.
Spotify Free – which gives you free, on-demand access to more than 16 million songs on your computer. You can listen as long as you like, to as many songs as you like. The only catch is that to receive the free service, you will have to put up with some ads. For most people, this is a small consequence.
Spotify Unlimited – Cost $6.99 per month gives you everything the free version does, but without the interruption of the ads.
Spotify Premium – Cost $11.99 per month gives you everything the Unlimited version does, but you are able to listen online or offline, on your computer, mobile phone, tablet, iPod and lots of other devices. You will also have access to exclusive content, competitions and special offers.
Onkyo & Spotify
Onkyo have had a relationship with Spotify since 2011, and many of their AV Receivers include Spotify within. All you need is your receiver, a Spotify account and an internet connection.
The receivers below include Spotify and are available from Selby.
TX-NR616
TX-NR709
TX-NR717
TX-NR818
TX-NR525
TX-NR626