Like Spotify, Napster’s mobile app also has the ability to download and save songs for offline use. This allowed me to listen to the new Blondie album on my iPad – even in the Wi-Fi dead zone in my back bedroom – and it will also avoid busting your 3G data cap when you’re out and about with your iPhone.
Playlists and Napster Radio channels
I know that many people still resist the idea of ‘renting’ their music in this way, but the lure of virtually unlimited music rentals is pretty tempting – and there’s a free seven-day trial available before committing yourself to a monthly subscription. ®
Selecting favourites
We make our selection of the best iOS smartphone and tablet downloads every Thursday. It you think there's an app we should be considering, please let us know.
'Droid fans, Android App of the Week is published on Tuesday.
More iOS App of the Week Winners |
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 Filemaker
Bento |
 Wolfram
Alpha |
 Qik |
 Sccope |
 XSysInfo |
Napster
COMMENTS
Impossible to find out anything about the service without an account.
Napster will never be getting my business until I can see what their "18 Million tracks" includes.
It is frankly ridiculous that the only way you can browse their catalogue is to sign up with a credit card. I don't expect to be able to play tracks for free; I'm quite comfortable with the subscription model, but the only way to entice me to stump up is to show me what music you have.
Spotify only has 15 million tracks because they've imported hundreds of cheap live albums, remixes and, worst of all, karaoke CDs. Sorry, Spotify, you are just insulting me. How can I tell Napster isn't just the same? At least Spotify allows you to browse, and even listen to, their catalogue before signing up.
Also, Napster claims to offer an MP3 store (http://www.napster.co.uk/product_info.html) but can anyone work out how to access it without signing up for a paid subscription?
Rich
Missing the point
I suppose if someone bought an album on CD or via a legal online music service, you would say that they could have downloading a pirated copy for nowt.
Not really
When you buy an album some money goes to the artist and it's yours permanently. But charging double the price to access the same service on a mobile device is crazy.
Furthermore Napster, Spotify and other subscription services are bad for artists who seldom see any money and in some cases have to pay to have their music hosted. It's just record labels ripping everyone off all over again.
Just a reminder, Lady Gaga earned $167 for her million+ plays on spotify. Doubt Napster will prove any different.
I'm happy listening to my internet radio stations and downloading music videos from youtube. I buy the occasional CD too.
