Harry Belafonte gave memorable harmonic homage to one fruit half a century ago, so now it’s time for one behemoth of a technological apple to further return the musical favor: Apple, the company that so many people love to hate and then secretly love again, has just unveiled its new music streaming service at today’s Worldwide Developers Conference! Not to be overshadowed by at least one presenter creepily showing their clavicles, what’s been creatively dubbed “Apple Music” looks to be a noteworthy addition to the increasingly competitive streaming space. Here are some of the features that were announced by Jimmy Iovine & co.:
- My Music: “music personalized to songs that you love,” based on more than “just algorithms.”
- Beats 1: a 24/7 live radio station featuring well-known DJs from Los Angeles, NYC, and London. Zane Lowe made a cameo during this part.
- Connect: the ability for artists to directly relay info about their work, including photos, early lyrics, and tentative tracks.
- “Tens of thousands” of music videos unaccompanied by ads. (Spotify recently unveiled their own video integration feature)
- Dr. Dre literally beating you over the head with wads of cash if you don’t subscribe. (unconfirmed)
And a subscription is, in fact, necessary. Excepting the first three months (which are free), Apple Music will cost $9.99/month for a standard membership and $14.99 for a family membership, the latter of which will allow up to six people to share an account. The whole thing will be available on iOS in over 100 countries beginning June 30. Windows and Android users can expect downloadability later in the fall.
Anyone else skeptical about a freakin’ radio station being a major boon to this service? The folks at Apple sure did want to emphasize that, though.
All the ways you love music. All in one place. Apple Music, coming soon. #WWDC15
http://t.co/HcKyj4emmO
https://t.co/yCk2TWnk2M
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) June 8, 2015
• Apple: http://www.apple.com