Starting February 15, Last.fm's mobile app will be paid-only. Their web radio service will remain free in the US, UK, and Germany.
Why now?
“On the Last.fm website an ad-supported, free-to-listeners model is what supports our online radio services in the US, UK and Germany," says Mathew Hawn. "In other markets and on emerging mobile and home entertainment devices, it is not practical for us to deliver an ad supported radio experience..."
This shift brings them in line with services like Spotify that charge users for mobile access. For the price of a fancy coffee, users can continue listening to Last.fm on their mobile without commercials. And yes, scrobbling is still free.
Why now?
“On the Last.fm website an ad-supported, free-to-listeners model is what supports our online radio services in the US, UK and Germany," says Mathew Hawn. "In other markets and on emerging mobile and home entertainment devices, it is not practical for us to deliver an ad supported radio experience..."
This shift brings them in line with services like Spotify that charge users for mobile access. For the price of a fancy coffee, users can continue listening to Last.fm on their mobile without commercials. And yes, scrobbling is still free.
