As music streaming services continue to become more popular, it's only a matter of time before some platforms fold as they compete with the popular companies that will dominate the industry. Of course, Apple Music and Google Play Music come to mind as the clear major players, but let us not forget there are plenty of other options still available.
However, it seems like the list will decrease by one because Songza has officially been killed. Both the music streaming service's app and website will shut down on Jan. 31, 2016.
Songza first launched back in 2007, providing listeners with curated stations, free radio, and playlists based on variables such as the user's mood, activity or time of the day. The platform uses past listening history and other factors to create the best playlists that are specific to each user.
Along with providing the ability to search for music based on artist, genre or song, users could also search based on holidays, themes, interests, and eras.
Songza was acquired by Google in July 2014, so it no longer makes sense for Google to hold onto the product since many of its features is already integrated into Google Play Music.
"Over the past year and a half, we've worked hard to bring all of the features that you love from Songza to Google Play Music, including the Concierge and our massive library of hand-curated playlists—from 'Walking On Sunshine' to 'Hillbilly Bodybuilding,' no moment shall go un-soundtracked," the Songza founders write in an email that was sent out to users on Wednesday.
But those loyal Songza listeners don't have to worry about losing all their playlists and favorite songs.
"It's now time for us to focus on building a single, cohesive product," the founders continue. "So as of Jan. 31, 2016, Songza will become Google Play Music, and you will no longer be able to access Songza.com or the Songza mobile apps. Hey! There's no crying! Are you crying? There's no crying in music streaming! Moving to Google Play Music is free, and your favorite playlists can come with you!"
Users will be able to migrate their accounts to Google Play Music. To do so, simply open the app to bring up the "2 Become 1" message that informs the user the two services will now be one platform, and tap on the orange button to confirm the move to Google Play Music.
The migration process happens in the cloud, so user's don't need to have the Google Play Music app already downloaded.
Users will still get to use all of Songza's features in Google Play Music, since the two services are essentially the same, and making the move is free. Users need to accept the new Terms of Service and Google's Privacy Policy if they haven't already.
So users have less than two months to say their goodbyes to Songza as they move on to Google's streaming service.
Via: Venture Beat
