Samsung launches Music Hub streaming service

Samsung has announced that the Samsung Music Hub music streaming service will launch on 17 October on the Samsung Galaxy S II. From November through to mid December, it will roll-out to a wide range of other Samsung devices. The service launches with over three million songs from across all four major labels, plus various independents.

The Music Hub kicks off with standout features, like "Smart Caching" and access across many devices. Smart Caching lets you can sync local playlists, reducing reliance on a good 3G signal or the need for a large data cap. Multiple device access will extend to other Galaxy Android devices, as well as Samsung Smart TVs, set-top boxes and Blu-ray players.

Music Hub downloads as an app to smartphones and TVs. The interface acts as should be expected, giving an array of options for exploring the music library, as well as discovery tools to intelligently suggest music that you may like. Playlists can be synchronised through the cloud to your various Music Hub devices, with lists allowing up to 200 songs. A total of 500 songs can be synchronised to a device. The service's "Follow Me" feature also lets you move from one device to another, and pick up where you left off.

As part of the launch, Samsung will offer all existing Galaxy S II owners a two-month free trial of the Basic service. The offer will extend to all who purchase the phone before the end of 2011, and other trials are expected to launch as TVs and other devices join the service.

For those who use Music Hub through a TV, music videos will also become available — 10,000 videos are promised at launch, with an average of 40 new clips added each week. Videos will be available at up to 720p HD quality.

The Basic package, which gives access to either a Samsung Galaxy smartphone or Samsung Galaxy Tab, is priced at $9.99 per month, $54.99 for six months or $99.99 for 12 months. The Premium package, which allows access to up to four Samsung Galaxy products, plus web browser access, is priced at $14.99 per month, $79.99 for six months or $149.99 for 12 months.

The service is set to launch on 17 October on the Samsung Galaxy S II, with other Galaxy Android 2.2 devices going live from 1 November. The service will then extend to Samsung smart TV and smart Blu-ray devices by mid December.

Samsung is also running a pop-up store in Sydney to support the launch. From Monday to Friday, 10-14 October, at 379-381 George Street, visitors can test drive the Music Hub for themselves. The first 10 people each day to buy a Samsung Galaxy S II can do so for just $2. The store opens at 8.00am each day. Expect a queue for that one!

More details can be found at the Samsung Music Hub website.