After acquiring startup Dhingana, Rdio launches its music streaming service in India

Rdio, a US-based digital music services company which acquired troubled Indian music streaming startup Dhingana in March last year, has announced its much-anticipated launch in India. The new service, available on any device, features over 32 million songs in 43 languages from global, regional and local labels.

"At Rdio, we are focused on creating the world's best music experience built around the listener," said Anthony Bay, CEO, Rdio. "India is the fastest growing Internet market in the world with one of the most vibrant cultures for music. We have built a strong local organization here, which is now our largest office and team outside the US. Our objective is to raise the bar for the digital music experience in India and provide the most robust offering of music from around the world, all tuned to each individual listener."

Rdio is entering the Indian market with a unique streaming experience. It offers a programmed, free internet radio experience with no trial or subscription. Rdio's free radio experience can be upgraded to a full on-demand subscription service with access to any song, album, playlist or station, online or offline, without ads for Rs 120 per month. Rdio listeners can enjoy their music on mobile, web, connected home audio, TV and automobiles. 

"Over the past seven years, my brother and I have dedicated our lives to bringing millions of users the diverse and wonderful music of India," said Snehal Shinde, VP - Emerging Markets, Rdio, and Co-founder, Dhingana. Shinde joined Rdio's executive team post acquisition to support Rdio’s expansion efforts in India as well as other emerging markets.

"Last year Rdio acquired Dhingana and we set out to marry our Indian expertise and experience with the best global music platform. We are proud now to introduce Rdio to India, a world class product that delivers a global music service with a localized user experience for music fans in India and abroad," Shinde added further.

Sharing his views on Rdio's India entry, Neeraj Kalyan, President, T-Series, said "The Indian music consumer is warming up to the music streaming services already very popular globally, and we are excited to partner with Rdio for their new internet music streaming service and are happy to offer our library of India's top Bollywood catalog along with curated stations to make the listening experience effortless."

Rdio is currently available on Web, iOS and Android devices.