Spotify offers free mobile streaming for smartphones, tablets

The music streaming business just got a whole lot more competitive. According to CNET, Spotify is finally launching ad-supported streaming for smartphones and tablets. Previously, the app was only accessible to premium members, but now everyone can listen to Spotify’s enormous library on their mobile devices. With Pandora holding strong as the leader in the field, and Apple trying to lure users back to its own homegrown service, the freemium move could give Spotify a major edge. There is a small catch: although the tablet app is nearly identical to the desktop app, free users will not be able to search for individual songs. Instead, Spotify Shuffle (as the company has named it) will give you the ability to shuffle through artist playlists, preset playlists or playlists you have created yourself. The new mobile service will be available starting on Wednesday.