MOG (for iPad)

By Jeffrey L. Wilson

MOG, a streaming audio service boasting a 16 million track library and 320Kbps audio stream, makes the transition to the iPad losing very little features. Like its browser-based brother, MOG for iPad ?lets users build playlists, scrub tracks, read album reviews, check out recommendations, and listen to excellent 320Kbps audio, but the platform change ?means lower audio quality and no free option. If you're already a MOG Primo subscriber, this is an app worth downloading right away?others may have to ponder the decision.

Getting Started
MOG for iPad's ?interface is similar to the browser-based version, which recently underwent a slick redesign. It's highlighted by panels featuring album art in four tabbed areas (New, Charts, Editors' Picks, Playlists), and a sidebar with additional options (Queue, Just For You, Browse, My Favorites, My Downloads, My Playlists, Settings Slacker (for iPad) (34405)). The various categories provide a solid mix of chart-topping popular music (Joss Stone), more under-the-radar efforts (MF Doom), and quick access to your favorite audio. MOG for iPad asks you to login with your Facebook credentials or dedicated MOG username and password when you tap an option.

That, however, doesn't mean that you can immediately deep dive into your favorite tunes. MOG for iPad demands that you subscribe to the $9.99 per month Primo service that lets listeners stream music to mobile devices This is in stark contrast to the Web version that offers two additional price tiers (A free ad supported version, and an ad-less $4.99 per month Basic plan). Competitors Slacker and Songza offer iPad apps that let you tune into music free of charge. Even Spotify, which just months ago used to require users pony up cash to listen to music via its mobile app, abandoned this unwanted model.

The MOG for iPad Experience
If you want the skinny on MOG, check out my review of the MOG?there's not much difference between it and the tablet app. The app lets you build playlists, scrub tracks, read album reviews, get music recommendations, and syncs between Web and mobile so you don't miss a beat. In fact, there are just two differences of note, with one being the iPad app's step down in terms of audio quality. MOG desktop users receive outstanding 320Kbps audio streams that let you pick up music subtleties, while the mobile apps deliver 48Kbps by default. The apps' audio quality isn't bad in any way, but discerning ears will notice the difference. That said, you can dig into the settings menu and bump the audio quality up to High Quality, but that's only available when streaming over Wi-Fi (not 3G).

The second difference is the Download option. Tapping it lets you cache songs to the iPad for offline playback?perfect for the morning commute when there are scant wireless connections. I downloaded several tracks from The Dirtbombs' Ultraglide in Black album, which played back flawlessly without a Web connection. MOG for iPad includes AirPlay support for wirelessly streaming audio.

If you're a hardcore music fan, you may lament the lack of lyrics?something that Slacker has in abundance. And if you're an overall radio fan, Slacker has additional features that you won't find here: Men and Women's lifestyle channels, and live steaming ESPN radio Should

You Tune Into MOG?
If you're a fan of MOG's take on streaming audio and already subscribe to the $9.99 Primo account, downloading and installing the iPad app is a no-brainer. If you don't subscribe to that premium plan, the asking price seems a tad hefty when Slacker and Songza, the Editors' Choice among strictly free apps, serves up content with no cost to you. That said, MOG for iPad is a very solid app that you should check out if you don't mind spending chips.

More Music Services & Players Reviews:
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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ziffdavis/pcmag/~3/kdhFefsXn3s/0,2817,2408600,00.asp

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