Facebook is on its way to offer a new application to its users to leap over the competition with Google+ and probably kill MySpace utterly. Recently, several new features have been launched by various social media giants like Facebook – “Smart Friend List” and “Subscribe Button”, Twitter – Introduced in five new languages, and Google+ that opened its API access to users.
it’s been expected that company will unveil new media platform at F8 Developers’ conference in San Francisco on Thursday, according to the New York Times. Now users can share their favorite music, television shows and movies at media platform. This new application will benefit cloud-based digital music services like Spotify and Rhapsody, who had struggled in past to sign up large number of playing users.
“If it works the way it is supposed to, it would be the nirvana of interoperability,” said Ted Cohen, a consultant and former digital executive for a major label.
According to the NYT, Facebook has made an agreement with number of media companies to provide direct link to users on their widget or tab, or as a user’s news feed.
Company’s new media platform may comprise Spotify and Rhapsody, along with smaller competitors Rdio, MOG, Deezer and Vevo (video music site).
Among these, Spotify is the largest with 10 million users launched in 2008 in Europe and arrived in USA in July. It provides “freemium” service to users with ads or $5 to $10 for an ad-free version.
Rdio and MOG – which charge $5 to $10 for a monthly subscription have announced free version last week to stay competitive in the market.
MOG will provide “bunch” of free music to their new users for free – supported by advertisement which they can share with their friends, Rdio’s will provide free music with ad-free.
However, still there is no clarity over the number of free song which user can avail via Facebook since none of the digital music providers have revealed their songs tank publicly.
“Our belief is that the cost of the content cannot be fully offset by the advertising dollars you can generate, and that the subsequent conversion of somebody to a paying subscriber because they’ve been able to listen to content for free on a desktop is not at a level that supports the losses you’ll incur on the advertising side.” said by Mr. Jon Irwin – President of Rhapsod.
Mr. Irwin also believes that with the launch of this new media platform by Facebook big players like Rhapsody and Spotify will have the advantage.
“It’s going to be hard for the players not at scale to survive, you’re looking at a two-horse race” said by Mr. Irwin Rhapsody President.
However, the whole new upcoming dynamics will surely prove disaster for a troubled company – MySpace which is fighting for its last survival through similar media platform. If Facebook manages to woo users towards its new media application, MySpace may have to look for the place for its last ritual.
