More on demand music jukeboxes, though this one is of the licensed legal kind, which is no fun really. Music tracking social networking thingy Last.fm, now owned by CBS, of course, have announced they have deals in place with all four majors and a stack of indies to offer a free ad-funded music preview service.
Some 3.5 million tracks will be available via the service, which will enable users to listen to tracks three times on demand for free, after which they will be offered the chance to buy the track. The listening post service is designed to be used in tandem with download platforms like iTunes and Amazon, and is in essence is a more user-friendly alternative to the thirty second clip preview facilities offered by services like the iTunes Music Store.
The Last.fm jukebox will run through the browser so won't require any software download, and users won't be required to register. Users will also be able to create customised internet radio stations a la Pandora and Launchcast, and the music recommendation facility at the heart of Last.fm will remain. Unsigned bands will be able to upload their music to the jukebox and potentially benefit from an 'artist royalty' programme.
Announcing the new service in New York yesterday, Last.fm co-founder Martin Stiksel said the 3.5 million song catalogue was just the start, and that "the mission is to have every track available".
The new service will be available in the US, UK and Germany with further global expansion planned.