The music streaming service Grooveshark, which was pulled from the App Store a while ago after it upset a number of major record labels, has returned to the iPhone — and other mobile devices — with a new HTML5 web app. The app can’t be pulled by Apple this time, but how long will it last?
Grooveshark announced the new web app via its blog, despite labeling it a “sooper secret beta,” with availability on iOS, Android, the BlackBerry PlayBook, and HP’s TouchPad tablet. The company also encourages users to try the service on devices that aren’t listed on its site.
The web app is very basic, but it works. And for Grooveshark fans, a basic app is better than no app. It’s divided up into three sections, including search, stations, and popular tracks.
Despite being a beta, I found the app to be very stable and smooth. Tracks load quickly and they continue to play even when you exit mobile Safari. You can also control playback using the music controls on your lock screen and in your multitasking tray.
But how long will it stick around? There’s nothing Apple can do to remove Grooveshark from the iPhone now, but the record labels are trying their best to kill the service altogether. It was sued by Universal Music Group less than two months ago, and just last week, it received a new lawsuit from EMI.
The labels claim that Grooveshark has illegally uploaded tracks to its music streaming service, but it categorically denies any wrongdoing and is still standing for the time being.
[via The Next Web]