A new app from Swedish start-up Spotify may attempt to take on Apple’s iTunes. The European online music service recently announced a new MP3 download store in addition to the ability to sync music on iPods and related devices.

According to a report last week on PCMag.com: “Spotify features include the ability to: search, browse, and play millions of tracks; stream over Wi-Fi or 2.5/3G; access offline playlists; on-the-fly sync; a what’s new tab; wireless sync of your local files to your phone; and the ability to tag favorites into a special list. One of the most frequent requests, however, was the abilty to sync that music to Apple’s iPod, something Spotify said is now a reality. Just connect an iPod to your computer via USB and it will appear in the ‘devices’ section of the Spotify sidebar. You can then sync MP3s in your Spotify playlists to the iPod.”

Spotify has 13 million tracks available and more than 1 million subscribers. It features a free, ad-supported option and a premium service for unlimited access. The company says that its iPhone and Android app can now be used by its free service customers.

Spotify is doing well in Europe, but has yet to launch in the U.S. It has inked deals with EMI and Sony for U.S. service and if it can enter into an agreement with Universal Music Group and Warner Music it may become a serious competitor for the likes of Rhapsody and iTunes.

Since Apple has a track record of updating software to prevent third-party iPod syncing, it will be interesting to see how it responds to Spotify’s efforts.

Updated ETCentric post (and Facebook-Spotify news): “Is Facebook Poised to become THE Social Entertainment Operating System?” (5/31/11)

Related Bloomberg Businessweek article: “Here’s Spotify’s Master Plan: Tackle iTunes Head On” (5/5/11)

Related CNET article: “Spotify cozies up to iPod, takes aim at iTunes” (5/4/11)