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Spotify launches offline mode for PCs

By Barry Collins

Posted on 1 Oct 2009 at 13:23

Music-streaming service Spotify is launching an offline mode for its PC software, allowing users to continue listening to playlists without an internet connection.

The feature replicates the functionality found in Spotify's iPhone app, which stores music on the phone to allow playback when a 3G or Wi-Fi connection is out of reach.

However, the new feature will be limited to subscribers of Spotify's £10-per-month premium service, providing another incentive for users to upgrade from the free service. The iPhone and Android app is also restricted to subscribers.

Technical details on how the offline mode will work are sketchy, but users won't be able to copy or playback the downloaded music files on other devices. Users will be able to select individual playlists to make available when offline.

Earlier this week, Spotify introduced support for PayPal for users wishing to pay for premium accounts.

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User comments

It's on the web

Spotify maintains a cache of played files in encrypted form. Normally the web interface provides access and decoding via the server. Howto decrypt the files is available online Google for Linux Spotify.
But there is no need, it's free or cheap so why waste the effort!

By milliganp on 2 Oct 2009

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