By Frances Rubio
FINALLY! After months of rumors and speculation, the wait is over, as Apple finally announced the debut of Apple Music. So, what exactly is it? Apple Music is a real streaming music product, which offers “millions of songs,” “personal recommendations” and “radio with a 24/7 global station.” Still have your purchased music on iTunes? Have no fear – your songs will integrate with this bad boy. So basically, if Spotify, Pandora, Vevo and, well, iTunes, made a love child in Cupertino, Apple Music would be it. At least that’s the concept.
Perhaps one of the most interesting features of Apple Music is Connect, a musician-fan social network. All artists on Apple Music will have their own profile pages. Beyond just a biography, such as Spotify’s interface, Connect is a space where fans can directly interact and comment on artists’ photos or posts – and if FKA Twigs has time, she can also respond directly to you.
Beginning June 30, users can experience Apple Music for free for the first three months. Individual plans are $9.99 a month, with family plans at $14.99 a month.
If you’re still on the fence about a membership, users can choose to opt out of a membership but still have the ability to use Beats 1 radio, hear stations supported by ads, and check out what’s happening with musicians on Connect.
