More on Spotify

Spotify, which is claiming an imminent launch in the U.S., predicts that it will have 50 million users in the U.S. at the end of its first year. A big part of their plans is that a tight Facebook integration will drive the adoption of the service on this side of the Atlantic. The Facebook connection already exists in Europe. Facebook, which doesn't appear to be interested in starting its own music service, has been happy to partner with Spotify. Once Facebook users in the U.S. see music feeds on friends' pages, they'll be able to get Spotify with one click.

Free press is another item that Spotify is counting on. In this regard, Spotify may benefit from 2 years of false starts in the U.S. The press has reported on the previous times when Spotify's launch was just around the corner. It's a big story, made even more so with the close association with Facebook. But if the rug gets pulled out from under the media again, Spotify may not get a positive hearing.