CBS paid a whopping $270 million for Last.fm in 2007. Since then, the media giant has failed to monetize the music service and seen competitors ranging from Pandora to Spotify grab the spotlight. For months, rumors have pointed to growing disillusionment within CBS. Now come the first signs of change, according to the official statement, "in response to various factors that affect our business differently in parts of the world". Key changes as of January 15, 2013 include:
- In the United States, United Kingdom and Germany, radio in the desktop client will become a subscription feature, as it is elsewhere.
- In Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and Brazil, there will be no significant changes to the service.
- The ad-supported, web-based streaming service will continue to remain free.
- To help drive subscriptions, new apps and an upgraded desktop client will be released to improve scrobbling and the overall experience
- Service to all other countries is being dropped.
Expect more change ahead for Last.fm.
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