Spotify takes aim at iTunes with social, library features

Spotify is taking aim at Apple's iTunes with its latest upgrade - the largest since the site launched in late 2008.

The streaming music system currently allows users to listen to music for free - if they're willing to abide a few ads, of course - which puts it in competition with the iTunes download store.

But with the release of version 0.4.3, Spotify is also looking to take on the iTunes music player and track organising software, with the introduction of new library features.

Writing on the Spotify blog, community manager Andres Sehr said: "Spotify is evolving into a total music management platform."

Essentially, users will be able to play and organise tracks on their PC using Spotify, integrating their downloaded music with Spotify's streaming music. "We've added a Library' folder in the left side bar, enabling you to combine your own music library with ours," he explained.

These mixed playlists will also be transferable to mobile devices via a wireless connection, but that will require paying for a premium membership to Spotify, as it requires "offline mode" to work.

Going social

In addition to the new library system, Spotify has added integration with Facebook, following up on the social networking site's announcement of its Open Graph plans last week.

Any songs mentioned in a friend's Facebook feeds will be pulled into a feed on Spotify, enabling "real time" sharing, Spotify said.

"Discovering these profiles is simple as we've connected with Facebook so that you can instantly add your friends' profiles," Sehr noted, adding that users real names, Facebook profile photo and friends list will be pulled into Spotify.

The new features go life today, but it will be a few days before they're rolled out to all users, Sehr said. No download is required; the changes will kick in on start up.

For more, check out the following video from Spotify: