Amazon to launch new ad-supported free music streaming service
What's the story
Taking on Apple Music and Spotify, Amazon "has entered into discussions to launch a free, ad-supported music service," according to a Billboard report.
The Jeff Bezos-led company could market the service as a ready-to-use streaming platform for Amazon's Echo range of smart speakers.
The report also notes that this free music service could "become available as early as next week."
Here's everything to know.
About the service
Amazon's free music service will offer a limited catalog
Amazon's upcoming streaming service would offer a limited catalog. In order to obtain licenses for the free music, the world's biggest e-retailer has "offered to initially pay some record labels per stream, regardless of how much advertising Amazon sells," highlights the report.
The service will be added benefit for Echo buyers, giving them an option to stream music without having to sign-up or pay.
Existing service
Currently, Amazon offers Prime Music bundled with Amazon Prime membership
Currently, Amazon's Prime Music streaming service comes free with the Prime membership. And because it is tied as a premium add on, you get access to millions of songs and offline playback with ad-free streaming.
In India, Amazon Prime membership costs Rs. 129/month or Rs. 999/year and offers free Prime Music, Prime Video, Prime Reading, free two-day delivery, and early access to exclusive sales.
Competitor #1
Here's a look at Spotify's premium plans and benefits
Talking about competition, Spotify premium plan offers ad-free music experience with upto 320kbps streaming quality, access to podcasts and offline play.
The service starts at Rs. 119/month with a free 30-day trial available for all.
It has also introduced prepaid packs ranging from Rs. 13/day to Rs. 1,189/year.
Moreover, Spotify is offering premium membership to students at a discounted price of just Rs. 59/month.
Competitor #2
Apple Music: Premium plans and benefits available in India
Similarly, Apple Music premium also offers millions of songs with ad-free streaming, offline playback, exclusive releases, and original shows as well as concerts.
The premium plan costs Rs. 120/month for individuals, Rs. 60/month for students, and Rs. 190/month for a family plan with up to 6 members.
Apple also offers a free trial period of 3-months which helps you extensively explore the service.