Apple Said to Integrate Shazam into iOS 8 for Song Discovery

Could we soon see system integration of Shazam in iOS? That’s what Bloomberg is reporting, as its sources say Apple could preview the feature, set to debut as part of iOS 8 at WWDC 2014 on June 2:

The company is planning to unveil a song-discovery feature in an update of its iOS mobile software that will let users identify a song and its artist using an iPhone or iPad, said two people with knowledge of the product, who asked not to be identified because the feature isn’t public. Apple is partnering with Shazam Entertainment Ltd., whose technology can quickly spot what’s playing by collecting sound from a phone’s microphone and matching it against a song database.

Shazam is said to be tied into iOS just like how Twitter is integrated, meaning users will not require to download it separately. One way users will be able to use the song discovery feature of Shazam is through asking Siri “what song is playing”, which she/he will then tell you.

Sources also mentioned what we’ve already heard about iTunes Radio, that it is set to expand outside the U.S.; reasons for delays include limitations of licensing agreements with music labels. Again, sources are saying what was reported earlier: Apple has plans to make a standalone iTunes Radio app, instead of bundling it into the iTunes Store.

Other whispers also note Apple has again been exploring the creation of a subscription-based music service, aimed at competing against Spotify, Rdio and Beats Music. The service has apparently been built internally, but no release has been slated since it would possibly harm music download sales.

Shazam built into iOS 8 would be pretty cool. But I don’t know if it’s a game changer. Let’s hope more goodies are coming too–June 2 can’t come soon enough.

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