SharkPhone for Windows Phone opens up unofficial access to the Grooveshark network

By Rich Edmonds
published

Grooveshark (www.grooveshark.com) is an online music streaming service available on multiple platforms, but there's still no official love for Windows Phone (apparently down to Microsoft stating that such an app wouldn't be allowed through the submission process). We last looked at an unofficial client, GrooveMobile back in March when the app went into beta testing. The developer, SciLor is a popular developer on Android and formerly Windows Mobile. But now we've been alerted to yet another unofficial Grooveshark client, titled SharkPhone.

This app is currently available on the Windows Phone Store and ready for download. Head past the break for more details.

While legal issues surrounding the service as a whole continue, SharkPhone enables those with a Windows Phone to connect to Grooveshark and stream music. It's super basic in terms of functionality, but is lightning fast to use. All you're greeted with is a search field. Search for the artist, song and more, select the result you desire and you're good to go. Unfortunately, because there isn't much to the app, you're limited by what's available, which isn't much. 

SharkPhone

There are no options to create playlists, high quality audio or even  the ability to log into an account, but we're sure the developer may have plans for the future of the app, especially given just how many Windows Phone owners want to see a solid Grooveshark solution available on the store. Either way, this app is a sweet addition to your app arsenal for those moments when you need to hear a particular song.

If SharkPhone isn't up your street, fear not as there's also the official solution on the Grooveshark website, utilising HTML5. While not a native app, it's definitely worth checking out if you're an avid fan of the service. That said, Microsoft does offer its own Xbox Music service, which offers unlimited streaming and offline playback for a small monthly fee. Then you have Nokia Music and upcoming Beats Music. There's a variety of services available to choose from.

Be it an unofficial source, we're pleased to see such a solution launch on the platform while we wait for an official client. You can download SharkPhone from the Windows Phone Store for free. Thanks, Amir, for the heads up!

Rich Edmonds
Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.

29 Comments
  • Why would Grooveshark not be allowed through the submission process❔
    .
    Is this available on iOS❔
  • My thoughts exactly.
  • Rich❔
  • It's only available for jailbroken iOS devices and as an APK for Android. So no store will approve it.
  • Except they've stopped developing them & their bb os clients when they added html5 support
  • @rodneyej Read up on Grooveshark. There's a ton of litigation against them in court over copyright issues. Companies are distancing themselves from Grooveshark because if you negotiated a music deal, say Xbox Music, and then offer a 'pirate' music app, it looks duplicitous. 
  • Oh,, well... There's just too many alternatives in the store to fool around with this,, unless it's that good.
  • Actually there aren't any alternatives to this. The possible illegality of its usefulness is its attraction and downfall. Excellent article on piracy on Flipboard this morning.
  • Try music hits.
  • Actually, I just meant mainstream alternatives, like XBM, Mix Radio, and Spotify.. Beats Music❔
  • Sure thats true but they have since been working with the record labels to better legitimize it
  • This looks to me to be a pretty poor offering. HTML5 Grooveshark is king of Windows Phone - for now at least.
  • It's super basic, but it works.
  • I tried the HTML5 page and it does not go next song in the background unless I switch back to the browser. WP8 limitation I guess.
  • Does the same in ios. Idk about android
  • Right away I noticed a bug. Cant control volume coming from app. Its full blast even when I lower it. Da faq?
  • Can we save songs to music hub??
  • Is Grooveshark any good? How does it compare to Rdio, Beats Music and Rhapsody?
  • Yes it is good.  I subscribe to Rhapsody, but use grooveshark whenever I want to listen to something that isn't available on Rhapsody, such as Led Zeppelin, ACDC, Beatles, Tool.  There's a lot more live albums and other rare stuff available on grooveshark.
  • I can't stop/pause the song :S
  • Volume key. Use the built in player controls. easy peasy.
  • :/ well, when I go to the app the song doesn't appear as playing, I have to search one again and then stop it...
  • It takes a lot of effort to get API key from grooveshark..I asked them twice but they havent answered in both cases.  I think that It would improve quality of these unofficial apps if they made it public. 
  • On web, grooveshark is a freenium music streaming site. Anyone could listen to almost any song at any number of times. But for removing ads and mobile support, you have to pay. And there is only a good support for android. That too from sideloading. So yes, no store will ever approve it. DMCA is quite angry about this site.
  • This is what i have been waiting for. Yeaw :)
  • Cool logo.
  • Music hits allows you to hear whatever music you want and also download it. Way better choice.
  • I appreciate the simplicity of the app. It works well and fast as mentioned.
  • Just download webapps and from ther pin grooveshark! it works perfect! you can access your profile and stream your playlists....