I
f you like the flexibility of streaming music
but find the constraints of having to be
connected to the internet frustrating,
choosing a service that offers an offline mode
is the perfect solution.
Online streaming services have become a
popular way to access music libraries on
demand. They are often free and practically
unlimited. Sure, it’s essential to have your
favourite albums downloaded from home on
your device, but options are a marvellous thing
- especially after the first 500 km on a big
trip. The only downside to enjoying streaming
music is that you need to be connected to
some sort of network. And, just like radio
reception, the 3G network tends to disappear
the further afield adventure takes you. Hours
of online streaming also takes a significant toll
on data usage. Thankfully many providers now
offer offline streaming, giving you the freedom
and flexibility to listen on the move and on
multiple computers and mobile devices.
When it comes to finding your favourite audio
app there is an abundance to choose from –
music streaming is a hotly contested platform.
It’s also one historically fraught with legal,
ethical and personal industry battles as the
ghosts of once industry leaders Guvera and
Pandora Australia still echo. The following
are but a few popular music-on-demand
apps available in Australia and vary slightly in
content, connectivity options and affordability.
Unfortunately, offline listening (legally) is usually
a premium feature. While many of these apps
might be free and offer free online access,
if you want to listen without an internet
connection you’re probably going to need a
subscription. There is one slight exception to
this rule: The ABC’s Listen app does provide
users the ability to download unlimited
programs for offline listening, but while it
might not be music on demand it’s certainly
entertaining!
Spotify
Cost: Premium subscription
$14.99 per month
Size: 159.4 MB
For: iOS & AndroidLeading the online music pack is Swedish
born Spotify. Available across all platforms
with optimised apps, Spotify operates as a
freemium service; where all basic features
are free, with advertisements, while additional
features and add-free listing are offered via
a paid subscription. In addition to an almost
unlimited licensed music library, Spotify offers
a diverse collection of non-music extras
including audio-books, radio-dramas andMobile Tech | 89