streaming audio

Spotify streams audio from anywhere with a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection. The disk cache prevents skipping when a connection is interrupted, but not for long. In situations with spotty service or no data, music fans can actually listen to their favorite tunes offline. To save storage space, Spotify does not automatically download any songs to the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. But anyone interested in playing specific albums or playlists can download them for ultimate flexibility.

Spotify recently announced it has surpassed 100 million paid subscribers. How many of these music listeners know there's a built-in audio equalizer right in the Spotify app? iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners can choose from a selection of presets for different sound content, or customize audio frequencies manually.

Spotify can automatically create a radio station using music you already enjoy. In fact, a new radio station can be created from an album, artist, playlist, song, and more. Once you've opened the content in Spotify, the app can match this to a similar radio station playlist with a few extra steps.

The HomePod is normally connected to the owner's iOS device, which is used to deliver content and configure the smart speaker. But how can another person easily deliver audio to a nearby HomePod that's not paired to their device? Rest assured, sharing that song with your friend is simple, provided you have an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.

Apple Music subscribers have a new option to save $20.88 on their 12-month billing through iTunes. Apple has added an annual individual subscription to the streaming music service that can be selected for $99.00. This shaves a solid 17.4 percent off the monthly rate. Monthly subscriptions to Apple Music run $9.99, which totals $119.88 over an entire year.