MobileBeat reports that Tim Schaaff, head of Sony Entertainment Network, yesterday announced at CES that Sony will soon be bringing its Music Unlimited streaming music service to iOS devices. Android and PC users already have access to the service, and now iOS users have the chance to join in. According to Schaaff, at some point this quarter Sony will release its free iPhone and iPad Music Unlimited app to the App Store, so that iOS users can have the service on their devices. Mobile Beat says that the app will also provide offline caching for Music Unlimited subscribers, enabling them to save playlists on their devices so that they can listen to music later when they might not be in range of a network connection. This is of course similar to services such as Spotify and Rdio, which have been offering caching on iOS devices for some time. Schaaff and Michael Aragon, also from Sony, said that the Music Unlimited app would be distinguishable from its similar competitors because it would have all the benefits of Sony’s major retail and international presence. They said that Sony would also be aiming its marketing for the app at users who have not until now ventured into the world of cloud music services, rather than at customers who are already using the cloud music services of their competitors.

Schaaf said that Music Unlimited has over 1 million active users, and recently inked a deal with CDBaby, the very excellent indie music site, ensuring that Music Unlimited’s total amount of tracks available globally has now reached 15 million.


Source: Sony is bringing its Music Unlimited streaming service to iOS soon | VentureBeat

I've been wishing one of the music subscription services would come out with an iPad app. Whichever one does, I will definitely consider.

Sony’s Music Unlimited Service is Coming Soon to Your iOS Device

By Killian Bell on January 11, 2012 in Sony

Sony Music Unlimited on iOS

Sony is gearing up to compete with the likes of Spotify and Rdio on iOS devices, with a new report confirming the Japanese company will launch its Music Unlimited service on the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad within the next few weeks. The music streaming service is already available on Android, PC, and PlayStation, and it seems iOS users have not been forgotten.

VentureBeat reports that Tim Schaaff, head of Sony Entertainment Network, announced the news within a “small CES gathering” earlier today:

The electronics company will offer a free iPhone and iPad app for Music Unlimited at some point this quarter, Tim Schaaff, head of Sony Entertainment Network said today at a small CES media gathering.

Additionally, the iOS app will offer offline caching for subscribers to Sony’s service, allowing users to save their playlists for listening when away from a network connection.

Sony says Music Unlimited will not directly target users who are already signed up to rival services, but will instead attempt to seduce those who are yet to adopt a music streaming service. It will also take advantage of its “major retail and international presence” to attract new customers.

Sony launched the Music Unlimited service just under a year ago, and it already boasts over one million active customers who can enjoy over 15 million different tracks. Its launch on iOS could boost those numbers, and provide Sony with an even better chance of competing with Apple’s iTunes music store.

However, it may not be entirely bad news for Apple. If Sony wants to give customers the opportunity to subscribe to Music Unlimited directly from within the iOS app, it’ll have to use Apple’s ecosystem and provide the Cupertino company with a 30% cut of the revenue. The only way around this would be to force customers into subscribing online.

Will you be looking forward to Music Unlimited on iOS?