Yandex Music expands into Israel

Russian streaming set-up Yandex Music has launched in Israel, its first territory outside the former Soviet Union. The music service from Russian web giant Yandex will be available to Israeli consumers for the equivalent of $5.50 a month, with a half price offer for people who sign up in the first 30 days. Announcing the expansion into Israel, Yandex Music's Amir Biktimirov told reporters: "As one of the largest tech companies in Europe with over two decades of experience in machine learning and building user-friendly products, we have been able to build the top music streaming service in Russia, popularised by a great music catalogue and its best-in-class smart playlist feature". "We are excited to expand our service to Israel", he added, "where we expect listeners will enjoy discovering new Israeli, Russian, and international music". Yandex Music is also live in four other countries, all formerly states within the Soviet Union, those being Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Belarus.