Virgin Mobile Live 2.0 Brings Free Music Streaming To Android

If you're against pop culture, you should turn your nose up and dash away as soon as possible. Virgin Mobile has just debuted a new free music app in the Android Market, but it probably won't appeal to those who aren't in tune with the Top 40. At least not yet. Virgin Mobile Live 2.0 is the app's name, and it will give all Android users who dare download it access to a music stream hosted by DJ Abbey Braden, as well as past Virgin Mobile FreeFest performance videos, and “check in” features at events and performances, such as Lady Gaga concerts.

Every status update from within the app will also sync to Facebook and Twitter, of course. Even performances from LIVE HOUSE at SXSW will soon be online (next week), and while it only supports select film and music content from Virgin Mobile-sponsored events right now, there's a nice infrastructure here to expand out and include more music. Will this be the Spotify for U.S. users? There's a long, long way to go, but free streaming is always a great start.

Virgin Mobile Debuts New Free Music App in Android Market

No-Contract Carrier launches VIRGIN MOBILE LIVE 2.0; functionality includes live music discovery, performances, and special “check in” treats at Lady Gaga shows

WARREN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Virgin Mobile USA is launching the next generation of its social networking music application, called VIRGIN MOBILE LIVE 2.0.. Now, all Android™ users will have free access to the company’s critically acclaimed music stream hosted by DJ Abbey Braden, as well as past Virgin Mobile FreeFest performance videos, and “check in” features at events and performances, such as Lady Gaga concerts. All status updates made using the app will also sync with Facebook and Twitter.

    “Virgin Mobile Presents The Monster Ball Starring Lady Gaga.”

The app becomes available for download on the Android marketplace today, and users can access live and taped streaming music and film programming at any time. Live performances from Virgin Mobile’s “LIVE HOUSE” at SXSW will debut on phones equipped with VIRGIN MOBILE LIVE 2.0 starting next week.

The app allows Android users, including both Virgin Mobile and non-Virgin Mobile customers, to stream content from VIRGIN MOBILE LIVE, the no-contract wireless carrier’s online 24/7 music and entertainment stream. VIRGIN MOBILE LIVE launched last year and features rock, hip hop, indie, pop and dance remixes and exclusive artist interviews with signature host, Abbey Braden. The application will first launch with select film and music content from Virgin Mobile-sponsored events such as Virgin Mobile FreeFest and “Virgin Mobile Presents The Monster Ball Starring Lady Gaga.” Updates will be made frequently to allow for a more diverse selection. VIRGIN MOBILE LIVE 2.0 will also offer up-to-the-minute blogging posts from Braden as well as special check-in “treats” for those fans attending Lady Gaga shows in the U.S.

“Music has always been at the core of Virgin Mobile’s DNA,” said Ron Faris, director of Brand Marketing for Virgin Mobile. “And given our fans’ addictive nature to discover and share new music, we wanted to make sure they had access to the hottest new bands right at their fingertips. We’re especially thrilled to invite non-customers to this experience so they can see what our brand is all about.”

Mobile users with Android-based handsets, including Virgin Mobile’s recently launched LG Optimus V™ and Samsung Intercept™, can turn their handsets into mobile music machines that leverage Virgin Mobile Live’s built-in music player and limit the need to carry multiple devices.