Michael Schultz

My new favorite thing…Rdio.

Rdio is absolutely my new drug. I’ve become addicted to searching out new music and adding it to my “collection”. I’ve always been a big fan of getting rid of stuff. After 2005 sometime I started getting rid of all the junk that sat around me. I became a fan of limiting the things I owned in exchange for the freedom of renting. Renting isn’t exactly the best word here, but it will do. Perhaps subscription is a better word. However, I think what is happening here is something entirely different.

There have been many different types of renting/subscription models through the years when it comes to different types of goods/services. I believe we are entering a new evolution of these models in which we are able to subscribe to just about anything. I like the feeling of subscribing all together. You really feel connected to a product/service when you subscribe.

Although some may sudder at the fact that they don’t own their content anymore, I for one am happy to have all this free space on my hard drive. :)

There is a lot more to say about Rdio. Let me go over a few things quickly.

First off, Rdio really took my notice when they released their native OSX app recently. Although the app is nothing more than a frame around their webapp, they have added support for Apple keyboard hotkeys as well as Growl. These two things alone really make the app stand out.

Last but certainly not least…the Rdio iPhone app has been the kicker for me. I like to listen to music in my car and when I travel mostly. This past year I have been in airports a lot. This inevitably leads to lack of internet due to being 35,000 feet in the air with super expensive/no wifi. 

The ability to add music to your phone over the air then download that music to your phone with the ability to use offline mode in times that you are without the Internet is insanely amazing. Rdio makes this process insanely easy as well as a joy to use.

Rdio has completely changed how I find/listen to music. Allowing me to see what all my friends are listening to has been incredible, especially when I’m in the mood for something fresh. The ability to collaborate on playlist with friends or the Rdio community is a plus as well. It’s fun to see what kind of awesome playlists you can come up with between you and a couple buddies. 

In my book, Rdio is well worth the $10/month. Try out their free 7 day trial now. What do you have to lose?