MOG launching free service

MOG CLOGS THINGS UP: The subscription-service landscape gets even more congested today with the launch of a free iteration from MOG. The Berkeley-based company had been charging $4.99 a month for computer access to $9.99 for mobile. The move would appear to be in response to the tiered offerings from Spotify, which launched its ballyhooed service stateside in July. MOG is the first U.S. company to come with its own free version, the L.A. Times points out. Dubbed FreePlay, the service gives users who access it from computer browsers a “tank” of free music. Users who do things to bring in new customers, such as creating playlists or recruiting friends, will be rewarded with more free spins. “There’s no cap, so you can easily get a lifetime of free music,” said MOG CEO David Hyman. “This is a way for us to make sure the world can get a taste of our service.” The competition also includes Rdio, Slacker, Rhapsody and Napster. (9/15a)