Google has become the latest streaming music provider to launch services in South Africa. Google Play Music is available to South African consumers with immediate effect for a subscription fee of R59,99/month, matching the price of rival services.
The launch of Google Play Music follows news of the imminent demise of international streaming provider Rdio, which drew a small but loyal audience of South African users, and the launch in this market a few months ago of Apple Music.
Google Play Music will cost R59,99/month, but is available until 26 January at a launch offer price of R49,99/month for the lifetime of the service. The service offers access to 35m songs, including a large catalogue of South African music.
Users can upload up to 50 000 songs of their own to an online locker, and listen to this music alongside the “All Access” catalogue. Users can access Play Music through apps for Android and iOS, as well as directly through the Web.
Users can also “pin” specific albums and playlists so they’re available for playback without having to use Internet data — useful in South Africa where many people don’t have access to unlimited Internet accounts.
Those wanting to purchase music for offline playback will also be able to do so by purchasing MP3 downloads.
At launch, Google Play Music doesn’t offer “family” options, where multiple users can get access for a discounted monthly subscription fee, but the company says it is investigating this. — © 2015 NewsCentral Media
