Rdio slashes prices for Family Plan

In another move to take advantage of the Spotify-Taylor Swift debacle, Rdio is reducing prices for its Family Plan. Starting at $14.99 for a family of two, succeeding members will only add $5 to your bill. This will support up to a family of five. This plan is like those on other streaming services that will let sub-accounts keep their playlists and favorites separate. Rdio says they’ve already began rolling out the new prices globally.

Source: Rdio

Youtube launches Music Key, music subscription service

It has long been rumoured but YouTube's finally launched its music subscription service, Music Key. The service will reportedly allow for ad-free and offline streaming for US$9.99 a month. Initial promotional price is $7.99. There will be music videos and video-free songs on the service. Like most Google services, it launches in invite-only beat form on November 17 and will come bundled with Google Play, Google's streaming service.

Non-subscribers will see that under the Music tab on YouTube page, you will be able to organize songs and videos better to make it easier to listen to songs continuously. YouTube has signed licensing deals with three major labels and some independent labels. So expect the unofficial streams to disappear and have those replaced by official uploads from the labels. There is no word on Canadian availability just yet.

Source: YouTube | Via: Pitchfork

8Tracks for Android gets new navigation features to look for mixes

8Tracks has just updated its Android app to get new navigation features first since on the iPhone version earlier this year. It is now easier for you to discover great music through the app. It will help you search for new songs using genre- or mood-based options. You can swap genres by just swiping in the left sidebar. And the songs won’t stop even though you browse through all the mixes you want to look at with the persistent player present at the bottom of the app.

Source: Lifehacker | Download: Google Play Store (Free)

Google is testing a ‘Listen Now’ music ads to promote music streaming services and stores

It looks like Google wants you to listen to artists more on the different music streaming services and buy music online with a new ad option they’re testing out. There is a “Listen Now” add that links to at least three streaming music services and stores such as Google Play, Rhapsody, and Apple’s Beats Music. If you search for an artist, the Listen Now ad block will be located around the top of the search card.

According to The Wall Street Journal, music sellers will be able to purchase ad space. There is no word yet when this feature will be rolled out internationally as it is still in its testing phase at the moment.