As if music fans didn’t already have enough options for a streaming service, Amazon is reportedly throwing its name in the ring among Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, and many other competitors.
In a report by Reuters, the service will cost $9.99 per month, a similar cost to its rivals, and will offer a competitive catalog of songs. Sources say Amazon is finalizing licenses with labels for the service, and it will likely be launched in August or early September. Amazon did not immediately respond to Complex’srequest for confirmation on the new streaming service.
Reuters also notes the service will offer various options to subscribe to Amazon’s music service. Potential users won’t have to rely on just a single, annual subscription. For example, Prime subscribers have the option to pay monthly.
It’s possible that Amazon is entering the music streaming competition to draw more attention to Amazon Echo, which is the company's home smart speaker. Echo searches the Internet and orders products from the retailer using voice commands. It can also pull up any song or playlist you request. If you want a comprehensive music service that includes a versatile speaker, this could be the right move.
Although it is unlikely that Amazon’s new music service will steal paying users from a major player like Spotify, it could be a threat to Apple Music and Tidal. We’ll just have to wait and see when it comes out.
