Rdio now streaming tracks to 51 countries
In a not-so-subtle attempt to steal some of Spotify's thunder, the music-streaming service announces it has expanded to 20 new territories.
Online subscription music service Rdio expanded its global footprint to 20 new territories, including the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Hungary, the company announced on Wednesday.
All told, the company's streaming service is now available in 51 countries. Rdio said this expansion makes them the "second largest music subscription service in the world in terms of countries serviced."
Rdio's announcement was a not-so-subtle attempt to steal some of the spotlight from Spotify, which unveiled free mobile apps on Wednesday. Previously, Spotify allowed desktop or browser-based streaming for free, but only premium members who paid $10 a month could access their tracks through other devices. Spotify's shift to free mobile streaming puts pressure on competitors, Rdio included.
Rdio has made some big changes recently in an attempt to stay competitive. The company launched a free mobile music service in October, and last week named Anthony Bay -- a former Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple exec -- as chief executive. Rdio founder Janus Friis said in a statement that Bay would play a "critical role" in unlocking the value of global radio partnerships.
Here are the 20 countries where Rdio is now available: Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Uruguay, and Venezuela.