Spotify US release narrows down to mid-July

Spotify's imminent US launch could come next week with full label support if inside tips are accurate. Representatives for the European streaming service have reportedly been telling labels they planned to take the American version live next week. The AllThingsD tip still has missing music from Warner but now close enough to a deal with the label that it should be locked in by launch day.

Specific differences if any between the European and US versions are still unknowns. Pricing may be the only change with a $10 monthly Premium plan to keep it in line with other on-demand streaming audio competitors. The reduced free services will probably remain the same and give just 10 hours of listening and five plays per track before steering listeners towards one of the paid tiers.

When it comes, it should be available on the desktop as well as Android and iOS. Windows Phone 7 is coming in the fall.

The launch is rumored to be quiet from Spotify's end. It may not need much volume of its own to get an early start, though, as its reputation from Europe will at a minimum give it an advantage over US-native sites. Facebook has also been dropping hints of Spotify integration that would instantly give the service far more public recognition than rivals dependent solely on their own websites and mobile apps.

By Electronista Staff