Rdio extends free trial period for music plan

(AP) -- Music startup Rdio has joined several competitors in a crowded field of all-you-can-listening services by taking the time limit off its free trial.

The trial had been limited to seven days, and those wanting to continue had to pay for a subscription.

The new plan will give people using computers several months' worth of free listening to any track they want out of a library of 12 million songs. Mobile device users will also get an indefinite amount of free listening, but will be prompted to pay after a shorter amount of use.

Rdio, whose backers include Skype co-founder Janus Friis, is offering the trial without ads.

CEO Drew Larner said the amount of free listening will be dynamic and based on individual use patterns. A full mobile subscription plan costs $10 per month, while a computer-based one costs half that.

Competitors Spotify and Rhapsody offer similar free trials but use audio and display ads to help pay for royalties that the companies must pay on the music.

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