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Sources of Streaming Audio on the Web • LAUNCHcast • Radio@Netscape Plus • Live365 • MSN Radio Stations • ComFM • RealOne Guide

Yahoo's web-based LAUNCH service provides a variety of pre-programmed Radio stations. Users can customize their own station, listen in on other member's stations, rate the music and in general, have a good time - for free. LAUNCH supports its operation by including ads in the music streams.

But, just recently, LAUNCH spawned a new option: LAUNCHcast Plus. (Not too long ago, Spinner.com merged with Netscape and debuted Radio@Netscape Plus. You'd think LAUNCH could come up with another word beside “Plus”.) Anyway, LAUNCHcast Plus is an enhanced version of the free LAUNCH.

For $2.99-a-month (if paid yearly) or $3.99 (if you pay month-to-month), LAUNCHcast Plus subscribers are promised 50 exclusive programmed stations not available in the free LAUNCH. They include streams like Classical, Disco, “House, Martini Lounge”, New Age, “One Hit Wonders”, “Quiet Storm”, Show Tunes, Vintage Country, 1990's Britpop, and more.

LAUNCHcast Plus has also created a genre of stations with mood-specific music such as “Chicks of Country”, “Chill Out”, and “Rainy Day”. You can create your own “custom mood” stations as well and share your stations with other subscribers.

According to their website, “LAUNCHcast Plus makes it easier to discover music through people who share your music tastes. Use "influencers" to get improved music recommendations from similar music fans. Also, go deep into discovery mode by browsing artists, albums and songs most liked by fellow fans.”

If you'd like to hear it for yourself, LAUNCHcast Plus offers a 7 day free trial. For more information or to sign up for either the free or paid versions of LAUNCH, go to: http://launch.yahoo.com

- Corey Deitz

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