"Online music stores have typically offered MP3s at 128kbps, ie very compressed files, which is fine for pop music but it's not exactly high-fidelity, " he said.
Listeners can also customize the experience with news and sports from ABC and ESPN or use new fine-tuning controls to personalize Slacker's music stations, with newer, older or more popular songs.
That is a one-sided caricature, of course, and one of the many good things in this year's fine Proms season is to be able to parade so much French music in all its rich diversity.