Apple has introduced a new feature to its music streaming service, Apple Music. This latest offering is a personalized radio station called “Discovery Station.” This is a novel feature that scours Apple Music’s massive database to produce a bespoke collection of new songs tailored to individual tastes.
While Apple’s music service contrasts with Spotify’s algorithmic approach, which uses complicated algorithms to produce playlists based on users’ listening habits, the launch of Discovery Station highlights Apple’s dedication to a more nuanced and personal approach to music selection.
Discovery Station, unlike its algorithmically inclined rivals, employs a separate technique according to Engadget. This unique station only plays tunes that users have yet to hear on the service, whether they are from well-known artists or have the potential to introduce listeners to previously unexplored musical vistas.
Also, the commitment to uniqueness is steadfast and with its main purpose being to help users find new music, users are rest assured that no song will be replayed, establishing an ever-evolving and captivating auditory experience.
The feature is now live around the world. According to Apple Insider, Discovery Station appeared for users early Monday, August 7, without any official announcement or popup. If you’re an existing subscriber, you can access it by going to your Listen Now page and checking out the Stations for You section.
If you don’t have a subscription, it will cost at least $5 a month in the US for an audio-only plan or at least $11 a month if you want access to Apple Music’s video programming and other features, such as lossless audio and Dolby Atmos.
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Apple Music is in for a competitive race
In the ever-evolving landscape of music streaming platforms, Apple Music has solidified its presence, capturing a significant 15% share of global music platform subscriptions. This translates to a remarkable milestone, surpassing a staggering 78 million paid subscribers.
Yet, it still places Apple Music a considerable distance from its rival Spotify, which continues to maintain a firm grip on the top spot in the global rankings. As of Q2 2021, Spotify boasts an impressive rate of over 160 million paid subscribers – a figure that stands at double the count of Apple Music’s numbers.
As the figures stand today, Spotify commands an impressive 515 million users, out of which a substantial 210 million are premium subscribers. This success can be attributed to Spotify’s versatile offerings, including a free tier option that has garnered significant popularity.
On the other hand, while Apple Music may not currently hold the reins of global leadership, its reputation remains formidable. With over 98 million users spread across the world, Apple Music continues to captivate audiences.
However, this idea of a “Discovery Radio channel” is not novel in the music streaming industry. While Spotify has transitioned away from a dedicated Radio tab, it has reimagined the concept by empowering users to craft personalized radio stations linked to specific artists, albums, playlists, or songs.
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