Spotify wants app developers to help improve its streaming service

Independent software developers have been invited to write apps for Spotify, which will add more features to the online music streaming service.

Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek said he expected to see apps that include the ability to see song lyrics as music plays, or enable listeners to buy tickets for live performances.

Other possibilities includes apps that suggest music users may enjoy based on what they have already listened to.

Mr Ek said the integrated apps would attract more people to Spotify's service, which already enables Facebook users to show friends which songs they are listening to. People can also now listen to Spotify over Virgin Media's Tivo set top box

The apps page on the Spotify site  explains more about the move : "Some are already in the pipeline, others are just a twinkle in a web developer's eye. But one thing's for sure - Spotify Apps will help us all enjoy more music and in many new and exciting ways."

A beta version of the Spotify App finder is available for use now. Spotify warned that "there are still a couple of bugs lurking around, but you'll get a real feel for the amazing new world of apps."

The apps will be free to users. App developers will get access to some information about user accounts, including the content of their playlists.