As controversial as it may sound, I think Amazon Music Unlimited could become the best music streaming service in 2020, better than Apple Music and, yes, better than Spotify.
What makes this review so controversial is that Apple and Spotify absolutely dominate in terms of subscriber numbers and market share in an area where Amazon, despite its position as the world's leading online retailer, does not appear. just don't win...and not for nothing. lack of trying
To keep competitors out, Amazon has created a number of music streaming services (three, if we're precise), each with a different audience: Amazon Prime Music, which has around 2 million songs and is free with its premium subscription. Amazon Music Unlimited has around 30 million songs, but it costs a monthly subscription. And then there's the recently announced Amazon Music HD, which contains the most songs in the band, some of which are available in high-resolution 24-bit / 192kHz.
For years, Amazon only had two-thirds, but the new third, in addition to some competitive advantages currently available to Amazon, could give it the impetus to finally break the vicious cycle and reach the traditional listener.
Amazon's roadmap to get your charts back
Admittedly, it won't be easy for Amazon's most popular music services to pick up the charts next year: Spotify has the wind in the industry and Apple Music has imposed on its fans a three-month free trial to launch and various offers since .
If you sign up for the above right now, you'll get three months free (it's as good as Apple Music and Spotify), but Amazon will have to smooth the boat out to fit its listeners.
If Amazon wants to win, it's going to have to fight gunfire... or rather contracts: To start, Amazon must come up with a killer deal for Black Friday on Amazon Music Unlimited and Music HD. If you sign up for the former right now, you'll get three months free (it's as good as Apple Music and Spotify), but Amazon will have to smooth out the boat to get its listeners to fit in.
The good news for us? There is a historical precedent for that and it is not just wishful thinking. In fact, earlier in the year, Amazon had offered a special offer on Amazon Music Unlimited during Amazon Prime Day, where you could pay € 1 for four months of service.
Clearly, there is no guarantee that Amazon will do the same again this year, but if it really wants to launch its service into the stratosphere, this transaction will allow it to compete with Apple and Spotify.
Meet Amazon Echo Studio. This is Amazon's high-resolution answer to the Apple HomePod, and from what we've seen so far, it could really be a game changer for Amazon's streaming service.
(Image credit: Amazon)
Deploy new audio equipment
As we all know, the large number of subscribers does not make it the best music streaming service. While the popularity is good and has benefits, ultimately it comes down to sound quality and device support, two areas where Amazon will grow significantly in the next six months.
One of the hardware keys here will be the Amazon Echo Studio. This is Amazon's high-resolution answer to the Apple HomePod, and from what we've seen so far, it could really be a game changer for Amazon's streaming service.
At € 199.99 / € 189.99 / € 329, this isn't the least expensive speaker on the planet, but if Amazon offers any discounts, its high-resolution compatibility and smart startup options could be the key to getting more people to subscribe to it. the benefits of Amazon. streaming service
Not only does it use Amazon's "ultra high definition" music streams (to use Amazon's term for its high resolution offering), but it also supports and defends Sony's Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio formats. These relatively new and immersive audio tracks can make them pop because sounds are coming from above and everywhere, allowing you to select individual instruments in a mix. Amazon Music HD is the only streaming service that supports these formats, and the Echo Studio will be one of the most affordable speakers you can listen to.
Now, if only there was some kind of big shopping spree coming up, Amazon, a big-name company for branding its own products, could take advantage of it...