Report: Spotify Prepping Better Version of Free Service

Word has it that the free version of Spotify is poised for a major update.

Bloomberg reports that the streaming giant, which just went public last week, is "developing a new version of its free music service." The news outlet's unnamed sources reckon this new version will be more user-friendly for those on mobile phones.

"With the updated service, free mobile listeners will be able to access playlists more quickly and have more control over what songs they hear on top playlists, mimicking Spotify's ad-free subscription product," the report notes.

Spotify did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment, but Bloomberg says the company is expected to announce these changes in the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, Spotify this week launched a new Premium subscription plan that includes Hulu for $12.99 a month. Spotify Premium normally costs $9.99 a month and Hulu's Limited Commercials plan is typically $7.99 a month, so this new bundle option is $4.99 a month cheaper than subscribing to both separately.

At this point, the bundle is only available for existing Spotify Premium subscribers, but the companies plan to open it up to non-paying Spotify users this summer. For now, they are offering paying Spotify members a three-month trial of Hulu for $0.99; after that you'll be switched over to the $12.99 monthly bundle unless you cancel.

"Hulu's TV content is highly acclaimed, and with this exclusive Spotify offer we are bundling two top media platforms for an unbeatable price," Spotify's Chief Premium Business Officer Alex Norstrom said in a statement. "This is just one example of how we can add value to our premium members day after day."

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