Although Slacker showed off these innovations in Las Vegas, the app and the on-demand plan will not be available until later this month.
So what are the nuts and bolts of these new offerings? 1). A new (paid) subscription tier called Slacker Premium Radio (for web, iPad, iPhone, Android and Blackberry) that features on-demand access to the entire Slacker library, top charts, station playlists, etc., 2). A brand-new iPad app, as well as apps for Nokia smartphones and Verizon 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network-based smartphones, 3). Unlimited free Slacker Radio for Canadian listeners.
By offering on-demand listening, Slacker gives itself a leg-up on competitor Pandora (although we were fans of the less-buzzed-about service before due to its offline streaming option) and joins the likes of MOG and Rdio, who already offered this option.
The Slacker app is also sure to be an interesting development. When Pandora's app came about several months ago, we noted that it was a tool for the lean-in listener, those who like to engage with their music rather than just passively listen to it. Well, with artist bios, album reviews, artist images and full-size album art -- and the ability to listen to any song you want on-command -- that lean-in experience is sure to be amplified with Slacker's app.
Slacker sent us a few screenshots of the new app, which we'll review in full once it's released. Check it out and let us know what you think.