New Offering from Napster: Subscription Price Cutback, Free Music Downloads
The digital Music supplier Napster, a subsidiary of Best Buy, has announced a few changes to its subscription music plan (the least expensive one). Users that want to get the subscription will pay $5 for it, as opposed to the previous price of $12.95. On top of that Napster will let you download 5 DRM-free tracks per month, just like Zune Pass does (Zune Pass recently made the news when Microsoft claimed it is cheaper than iTunes – details here).
CEO of Napster, Chris Gorog, comments: “We've worked very closely with our label partners to come up with a re-engineered economic structure that is a win-win for everyone starting with consumers. Our partners recognize that the way we can all earn value from this is to substantially grow the paid subscription model. Nobody wins if it remains a niche product.”
According to Chris Gorog, Napster’s new offering should make it more competitive compared to services like Apple’s well known iTunes. With Napster the user gets unlimited access to music for $5 per month, and he gets to save the 5 tracks he likes best – even new releases. This is quite the offer compared to Apple’s iTunes, which charges you up to $1.29 for a brand new, popular release. Since we are on the topic of new musical releases, it must be said that Napster provides unlimited full-length song previews, unlike iTunes which provides 30-sconds long samples.
All subscribers can choose to purchase music tracks as well; the price varies from $0.69 to $1.29.
Current $12.29 per month Napster subscribers will automatically be switched to the new $5 offering. Pre-paid cards will be made available for purchase via Best Buy stores, and they will cost $5 for a 1-month subscription, and $60 for a 12-month subscription.
“A decade ago, Napster revolutionized the way people discovered and enjoyed music. The brand that started it all is shaking things up again with this new service that provides music lovers continued access to the entertainment experience they've come to expect of Napster and Best Buy,” added Senior VP of Entertainment with Best Buy, Julie Owen.
If you would like to get started with a $5 Napster subscription, click here.
CEO of Napster, Chris Gorog, comments: “We've worked very closely with our label partners to come up with a re-engineered economic structure that is a win-win for everyone starting with consumers. Our partners recognize that the way we can all earn value from this is to substantially grow the paid subscription model. Nobody wins if it remains a niche product.”
According to Chris Gorog, Napster’s new offering should make it more competitive compared to services like Apple’s well known iTunes. With Napster the user gets unlimited access to music for $5 per month, and he gets to save the 5 tracks he likes best – even new releases. This is quite the offer compared to Apple’s iTunes, which charges you up to $1.29 for a brand new, popular release. Since we are on the topic of new musical releases, it must be said that Napster provides unlimited full-length song previews, unlike iTunes which provides 30-sconds long samples.
All subscribers can choose to purchase music tracks as well; the price varies from $0.69 to $1.29.
Current $12.29 per month Napster subscribers will automatically be switched to the new $5 offering. Pre-paid cards will be made available for purchase via Best Buy stores, and they will cost $5 for a 1-month subscription, and $60 for a 12-month subscription.
“A decade ago, Napster revolutionized the way people discovered and enjoyed music. The brand that started it all is shaking things up again with this new service that provides music lovers continued access to the entertainment experience they've come to expect of Napster and Best Buy,” added Senior VP of Entertainment with Best Buy, Julie Owen.
If you would like to get started with a $5 Napster subscription, click here.
