Rdio adds free music stations to its iOS, Android apps

Rdio adds free music stations to its iOS, Android apps
Rdio tuned up its Internet radio service with the latest updates to its iOS and Android apps.An updated and free feature called Stations allows you to listen to music from 20 predefined stations built on songs from different artists. You can also create your own stations based on artist, song, album, or genre. In return, Stations plays random selections based on the station you picked, and lets you listen to an unlimited stream of music.Related storiesIs 'Avatar' giving you the blues?Car Tech Live 151:The best of the Detroit auto show (podcast)EMI licenses songs to new ad-supported site Sound familiar? Stations seems to be Rdio's effort to tap into the online streaming action of iTunes Radio, Pandora, and Spotify. The free service won't bother you with ads between the songs, according to the Associated Press. However, Rdio is counting on its non-paying users to pony up for a $10-per-month subscription, which includes added features like the ability to pick exact songs and albums they want to hear.Stations is powered by music intelligence company The Echo Nest, which described the feature in a blog posted Thursday.As you listen to stations and songs, the service tries to deciper your tastes to better detemine which music to serve you in the future. The Echo Nest said it's also working with Rdio to make sure all of the radio stations are DMCA-compliant. Such a move would help avoid any legal skirmishes with the music industry.Stations is available as a feature in the US, Canada, and Australia. iOS users can download the latest version of Rdio from the App Store, while Android users will find it at Google Play.