The US based online music-streaming service, Rdio has just stepped up in India (via MediaNama). This can be seen as a re-launch of Dhingana as Rdio earlier acquired Dhingana in March 2014 to enter the Indian market.
Rdio is the second international music streaming service to launch in India after Guvera, an Australian music streaming service. It was originally set to launch in December 2014 but the launch got delayed due to delay in closing partnership with music labels.
The company has been signing partnerships with music labels over the past few months and Swapnil Shinde, co-founder of Dhingana and now Vice President, Product – International Markets has been driving these partnerships in India.
Rdio has taken freemium model in India, similar to what Gaana and Saavn are offering. On web, it allows users to play specific track and is also offering an ad-free streaming at Rs. 60 per month. On the mobile app, Rdio has opted for a music stations approach, wherein it offers mixes across various genres for free. If users want to play specific track or album or playlist, they will have to opt for a unlimited subscription which is priced at Rs 119 per month.
Unlike Rdio, Saavn and Gaana offers free music streaming on its mobile apps with paid plan offers. Currently, Saavn and Gaana are priced at Rs. 120 and Rs. 220 per month respectively. Hungama is priced at Rs. 110 per month with unlimited access to music and video streaming.
