Spotify Tests Free Pandora-Like 'Stations' Playlist App

Spotify is testing a free lean-back listening app on Google's Android platform in Australia that offers unlimited access with skips to its 4500 official curated playlists.

If Spotify goes wide with the "Stations By Spotify" app that it's currently testing in beta, it could advance multiple goals for the music streamer by providing a new funnel for paid subscribers, expanding the influence of its already powerful playlist curators, and taking a jab at competitor Pandora's lean-back music experience.

The unanswered question is, will Stations give users another reason not to pay for a Premium subscription? 

Here's how Spotify describes the app:

 

Stations is the easiest way to listen to the music you love. Totally free.

When you have access to all the music in the world, finding the right thing to play can feel like a challenge. With Stations, you can listen immediately, and switching stations is simple and seamless--no searching or typing needed. As you listen, it learns what you like and creates personalised stations that you’ll love.

Stations is an experiment by Spotify that makes it easy for anyone to listen to great music.

So far, users have given the beta app a 3.8 out 5 rating.

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