Pandora adds first new markets since 2007 outside the U.S.

Pandora has gone live Down Under.

The leading webcaster in the U.S. is "fully live" in Australia and New Zealand, with both the web-based player and fully-functioning mobile apps for Apple and Android devices. The launch marks Pandora's first official entry in nations outside the U.S. since the company limited listening to home nation in 2007. 

In July (coverage here), Pandora "beta launched" in the two countries, but streaming only to desktop listeners (no mobile) -- but with the aim of a fully-mobile service. Holden will be the first car company in Australia and New Zealand to offer full compatibility with Pandora via its new Holden MyLink infotainment system.

"This is especially important in Australia and New Zealand," according to Pandora's press release, "which are among the world's most mobile-centric societies."

To accompany the launch, Pandora created "genre stations of Australian- and New Zealand-specific music," and has hired a local Managing Director for the new markets. Jane Huxley most recently led digital efforts for Fairfax Media, one of Australia's largest diversified media companies (Australia and New Zealand-based newspapers, magazines, radio and digital media).

You can see Pandora's Australia Genre Stations here, those for New Zealand here, and download the app for those markets here.