Finally, Amazon Echo speakers are getting Apple Music: Details here
What's the story
After a long wait, Amazon is bringing Apple Music on its Alexa-powered Echo devices. In a recent release, the company confirmed that the streaming service, which is the second-biggest in the US, will be available on all Echo devices. It will be available starting December 17, letting over 50 million Apple Music subscribers play content of their choice on the smart speakers. Here's more.
Working
How Apple Music would work on Echo devices
Apple Music, when available, would work in the same way other music services like Pandora or Spotify work on Alexa devices. You'll have to call the Assistant with the trigger phrase, name the song, and then add the name of the service on which you want to play. For instance, you'll have to say something like "Alexa, play Bebe Rexha on Apple Music".
Pre-requisite
However, enabling Apple Music skill is a must
Having said that, it is important to note that before playing Apple Music, you'll have to enable the skill for the service via Alexa's app for Android and iOS. Just open the app and head over to the Skills section in the menu. After that, enable the Apple Music skill and log in with your credentials for the music service to start playing.
Experience
Complete Apple Music experience, without ads
After logging in, you'll get full Apple Music experience without any ads or interruptions. You'll be able to call Alexa to play specific tracks, albums, artists, as well as Apple Music's editor-created playlists and radio stations, covering different activities, moods, and genres. The service, as Amazon said, offers a collection of as many as 50 million songs.
Problem
However, Google Play Music/YouTube still missing
Now, Amazon's Echo (family) will be the third voice-controlled smart speaker to support Apple Music, after HomePod and Sonos' speakers. This makes another good reason to go for Echo, which is much more affordable than the other available options. But, do note that the Alexa-powered devices still don't offer support for Google Play Music or YouTube playback, at least not as of now.