A review of the music-streaming service Rdio
By Aidan Mouellic, Staff Writer
Netflix has changed the way we watch video content—so much so that video rental stores are practically non-existent now. What Netflix did for movies and television, audio-streaming website Rdio might do for music: make it more accessible and inexpensive to consume.
One of the most popular music streaming sites in the world right now is YouTube, but it’s designed for watching videos and includes advertisements, which makes it an awful option for listening to music; this is where Rdio comes into play. You go to the website and you can stream practically any song or album you want in great quality audio with no ads. Just like Netflix, though, this service is only free for a short trial period (for up to six months on the web, or for two weeks off mobile devices with Rdio Unlimited).
The Rdio subscriptions are reasonable at a regular $9.99 a month, and are much less expensive than purchasing album after album on iTunes. College students can get a discounted Rdio subscription rate for $4.99 a month—but this only applies to US students, and is good for a maximum of four years.
My iTunes has seen little use lately since I’ve been using Rdio for almost all of my music needs, and I’m extremely pleased so far. Unlike other popular music streaming sites, such as Spotify and Pandora, which are only available in the US and other nations, Rdio offers an excellent streaming platform for Canadians.
My favourite part about Rdio besides the great selection of music and ease of use is how simple it is to synchronize devices. No matter where you are, you can be connected and listening to your library of Rdio favourites. On my Android phone, the app is fantastic: not only can you listen to your music, but the mobile Rdio capabilities allow you to use your phone as a music remote control. At home, I will often leave my laptop connected to my sound system and play Rdio throughout the house, using the Rdio app on my phone to change what’s playing.
Developing a personal music library can be tedious and expensive. For pure convenience and pleasure, Rdio is much more ethical than using torrents or streaming ripped copies on YouTube.
Sure, Rdio has some obscure tracks missing from its vast library, but I don’t mind since it offers me the freedom to enjoy my music without Apple products or ads. It has allowed me to explore new musical avenues I might not have otherwise.
