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

Netflix to produce all future original programs in 4k, partners with Sony and Samsung

Netflix CEO Reed Hastings took to the stage of Sony’s press conference at CES to announce that they have partnered with Sony to push 4k content and 4k televisions of the tech company. Hastings said the streaming service aims to make 4k a viable option for streaming with Netflix’s Ultra HD offering capable of working under 15 Mbps bitrate.

Netflix will also be joining Amazon to partner with Samsung to deliver 4k streaming content to Samsung UHD TVs.

Source: The Verge

Netflix for Android update improves performance, design

Netflix has started to roll out an update for its Android app to smoothen out the performance and meet design guidelines of the mobile operating system. And according to Android Police, the Netflix works better with Chromecast. What’s missing is the Netflix profiles support. Perhaps we can expect that on the next upgrade from the streaming service.