Amazon recently made some
waves when it released its new Cloud
Player—a media tool that stores and plays your entire music catalog via
computer or Android phone. No synching or copying required. Sick, right? Very, but
the online retail giant isn't the only company streaming music from the skies. Companies like Rhapsody have been doing it for years, while new comers like mSpot and the recently introduced DropTunes have launched web and mobile applications that allow users to listen to their tunes wherever they can get an Internet connection. With cloud music services advancing and offering features like music playback, social integration, and multi-platform support—it's not only becoming the essential back-up storage plan—it's becoming the media player of today. Take a look at 5 Cloud Music Services Worth
Checking Out.
mSpot
DropTunes
Grooveshark
Qrocity (Sony Music Unlimited)
Qriocity (Sony Music Unlimited)
Price/Storage: $3.99 (Basic), $9.99 (Premium); Unlimited
DOPE
• Music catalog and multi-platform support: Offers access to millions of records from major labels like EMI and Universal Music Group that you can listen to via PC, PS3, Bravia TV, Blu-ray player, and Blu-ray Home Theater system.
• SenseMe channels: Sony's "12 Tone Analysis technology" offers a unique category system that groups music channels by genre, era, time of day, and mood (Emotional, Energize, Dance, etc.).
• Stylish and user-friendly UI: Easy-to-use menu settings and features like the "Music Sync" program make transporting and managing your music catalog simple. Plus its cool animations and album cover carousel add make it look better than most Sony software.
NOPE
• Limited functionality: Under the basic plan, users can only stream content and create playlists on their computer.
• No Mac compatibility: If Sony's looking to compete against Apple's iTunes service, it might want to think about a future iMac/MacBook update.
• Missing mobile apps: There's no Android, BlackBerry or iPhone app available. But Sony claims the service will be available for the Sony PSP and NGP.