Shazam

Apple buys Shazam leading up to HomePod release

Apple Shazam

The popular iOS app Shazam will soon be part of Apple. Apple says it has "exciting plans in store" as it combines with Shazam to deliver new services to Apple Music. Shazam delivers the names and lyrics of songs, TV shows and other content just by listening to audio clips. With Apple's HomePod launch on the horizon, deep Shazam integration would bring even more functionality to the premium in-home speaker.

Shazam Adds Full Track Playback Option to iOS App

Shazam has updated its iOS app to version 7.7.0. The update adds the ability to identify and play any track inside the app using Rdio. Previously users could play any song recognized by the Shazam app, but the feature required opening the Rdio music player separately.

Shazam Version 7.7.0

You will still need to have the Rdio app installed on your device and an active account for full track playback to work, but now there is no reason to switch apps every time you want to hear a full song. Rdio is free to download from the App Store. It requires iOS 6.0 or later.

Siri Gets Song Recognition, 22 New Languages and Touchless Wake Command

Siri may have been the star of Apple's WWDC keynote presentation in 2011, but the personal voice assistant only got a slight mention near the end of the company's iOS 8 preview this year. Apple quickly touched on Siri's new song recognition talent and a few other features, before moving on to the new developer tools in iOS 8.

Siri Song Recognition

iOS 8 users will be able to access Shazam's popular audio recognition database by asking Siri, "What song is playing". The voice assistant will then identify any song playing in the background and offer users the chance to buy that song through iTunes. This new feature comes as no surprise since Bloomberg leaked it back in April.

Apple Reportedly Teaming up with Shazam to Create Song-ID Feature for iOS

Apple helped put digital music on the map with the iPod in 2001, but according to Nielsen SoundScan, iTunes music downloads have fallen for the first time since the device's release. This is most likely due to the rise in popularity of free music streaming services such as Pandora and Spotify. Apple released its own streaming service in 2013 to compete with its competitors, but iTunes Radio hasn't seem to put a dent in the now crowded music streaming market.

Shazam

According to Bloomberg, Apple is now working with Shazam Entertainment Ltd. to create a "song-discovery feature" which will allow iOS users to identify a song and its artist while using their iPhone or iPad. Shazam is known for its popular free music recognition iOS app that also identifies music and TV.

Shazam Update Adds Support for Rdio

Shazam is often the go-to iOS app when it comes to identifying and tagging music. The free service keeps adding on new ways to share, learn about, and listen to music of all stripes. Since the iOS 7 overhaul, Shazam has receive several updates on iTunes, bringing the current version to 7.2.0.

Shazam 7.2.0 iOS

Rdio fans will notice the latest update has a built-in function to play tagged Shazam tracks as a Rdio playlist. For those who aren't familiar, Rdio blends streaming music with social media, making it possible to learn about new music from friends and followers. Rdio functionality joins other services already on the list in Shazam, including Spotify, YouTube, iTunes, lyrics display and more.

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