As expected, Apple unveiled its new music service today, aptly called Apple Music. It’s even going to be available for Android.
The app includes a streaming music service as well as a live radio station and a way for people to connect with artists. It makes use of the iTunes library of music as well as music users have ripped from CDs. You can listen to any of this on demand. It includes a “for you” section which provides albums, new releases, and playlists which have been personalized for the user.
“We love music, and the new Apple Music service puts an incredible experience at every fan’s fingertips,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “All the ways people love enjoying music come together in one app — a revolutionary streaming service, live worldwide radio and an exciting way for fans to connect with artists.”
“Apple Music is really going to move the needle for fans and artists,” added Jimmy Iovine. “Online music has become a complicated mess of apps, services and websites. Apple Music brings the best features together for an experience every music lover will appreciate.”
Apple Music is Siri-friendly, enabling users to ask Siri things like “Play me the best songs from 1994,” “Play the best FKA twigs song,” or “What was the number one song in February 2011?”
The aforementioned radio station is called Beats 1 and includes a 24-hour listening experience led by DJs Zane Lowe in Los Angeles, Ebro Darden in New York and Julie Adenuga in London. It will include interviews, guest hosts, and of course music.
Apple Music Radio also gives users stations created by DJs in various genres. Members can skip songs at will.
That part about connecting with artists comes from a feature called Apple Music Connect, which lets artists share lyrics, backstage photos, videos, or even song releases. Fans can comment, like, and share content via Messages, Facebook, Twitter, and email. Artists can respond to fan comments.
All of this costs $9.99 per month for a single user. There’s also a family plan, which supports up to six people, for $14.99 a month. There’s a 3-month free trial. It rolls out on June 30.
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