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Sonos has unveiled a next-gen version of its app with a totally new look and functionality, which will launch worldwide on May 7, 2024, both as an update to its phone app and in a new web app you can use in any modern browser. Naturally, the new Sonos app will make it easier to control the best Sonos speakers – but the goal for it is to become a single hub for all your listening needs. At the heart of it is a new home screen that brings together favorites and recommendations from any services you use (from over 100 supported by Sonos), as well as a universal search feature that enables you to instantly search your podcasts, audiobooks and music for any term. I've seen the app in action, and it looks very much inspired by the smart TV software you get on the best TVs. Those are designed to pull in recently played items so that you can resume watching quickly, and to recommend movies and shows from the sea of options out there – and that's exactly what this will do, but for music. And just like all smart TV platforms these days (and similar to most music apps too, of course) it works through a series of sliding rows of options. The new hHome screen is on the left – you can expand the Mini player at the bottom to see the new Now Playing screen, shown on the right (Image credit: Sonos) By default, what you'll see on the home screen is a Recently Played section at the top, a Your Sources section that includes line-in (or TV audio if you have a soundbar), a Your Services section that's basically a list of shortcuts to open different services and browse in them directly, and then a Favorites section. On top of this, services can offer their own rows to be added here beyond Favorites. This is totally customizable, though – you can change the order, and add in particular types of Favorites or other ways to directly access music. What's on offer depends partly on what the services themselves offer for this home screen – pretty much anything can be added as a Favorite, but services can make other elements available to pin to the home screen, so for example Spotify could push personal suggestions straight there, or you could pin something like a 'More like Queen' recommendations list if you want a constant flow of that kind of music. Every user in your home gets their own home screen, and can customize it to make it specific to them. The Recently Played section will include anything played on any Sonos speaker in the household, whether that's by you or anyone else – that's the one area where your kids' delightful musical tastes will bleed into your screen. In the Favorites section, you can save artists, albums, playlists and songs, with little logos showing what service they're from. Browse to something you want in that service's section of the app, tap the three-buttons icon, hit Save To Sonos Favorites, now it's in the Faves. To edit these options, there's an Edit Home button, and then you can re-order things, or remove optional things, such as your pinned recommendations. You just drag things up and down the list to change the order, like editing a playlist. At the bottom of all this, but just above the new small 'Mini player' at the bottom is the Search bar. Tap in here and it'll show your recently searched options, or you can start typing to see results from every service you have connected. You can set your 'preferred service' in the Settings, and this will always float to the top of search results, and will be first in the Your Services list. So, if you want Apple Music results 90% of the time, make that your preferences and the app will prioritize it over anything else. The new Search screen, which shows previous search results and prioritizes your favorite services. These images also show off the app's light and dark modes (Image credit: Sonos) Easier control Just as important as all these changes to how you find music are updates to how you manage what's playing in the app. That includes multi-room management, as well as just quick play/pause options. There's a smarter, simpler view of all your speakers, which you can access either by tapping the name of your system at the top-left of the Home screen, or by swiping up from the mini player at the bottom while anywhere in the app. This basically shows you a bunch of mini players, in which you can instantly start/stop the music of different speakers, or tap on one to go into it and choose new music. If you tap a symbol that looks like a couple of Sonos speakers you can can group speakers, or split them. It's so much easier to parse than a lot of multi-room setups. It's very clear what's playing on different parts of your system, and what you should do to change things – it's just more intuitive. If you want more control options for a speaker, when you tap on it you get a full-screen player, which includes shuffle, repeat and other options, including grouping options right there. Sadly, Sonos didn't provide an screengrab for the speaker grouping controls on the phone app, but you can see the controls on the web app on the right here, and the new Home screen on the left (Image credit: Sonos) Analysis: it's got to make you want to use it With the long-rumored Sonos headphones said to be set for a launch soon, this app redesign makes total sense. The existing Sonos app has all the functionality it needs, but it's the kind of app you only visit because you have to. The new app needs to be something you use because it works well if it's going to power a pair of headphones. It's important that the new app is slicker, because the existing app has never been in competition with anything – if you have Sonos speakers and you want to play music on them, you have to use it. Sure, the experience should be pleasant and reliable, but ultimately it just had to work. But when it comes to headphones, the Sonos app is now in competition with the convenience of just using Bluetooth directly. The alternative is to simply not use an app at all. So Sonos has to provide a better experience than not using a hub app – one that makes you want to spend your audio time there to get the most out of Sonos’ headphones – and it appears that Sonos is betting on the ability to search multiple services, and bring your podcasts, audiobooks and music all together for really easy access, as the way to provide that experience. While I've seen this app being used, I haven't used it myself, so until I can do that I'll have to reserve judgment on whether it really works as a hub that I'm happy to rely on – but I like the principle of the idea a lot. Having instant playback of my favorite podcasts next to quick access to my personalized music streaming recommendations seems nice, regardless of the Sonos-ness of it all. Of course, outside of unreleased headphones products that remain theoretical for now, the update is still very welcome, especially for users of the best Android phones. For iPhone users, the Apple AirPlay support in Sonos products means it's super-easy to send audio to them from whatever app you like – it's already pretty slick. But it's not the same on Android, as there's no Chromecast support on Sonos speakers, and this app looks like it'll make using Sonos a lot more inviting on Android. You might also like A massive Sonos launch could soon bring a next-gen Roam 2 plus its first headphonesI listened to Sony’s new Bravia Theater Quad system, and it's full-fat Dolby Atmos without wiresEdifier's affordable wireless speakers bring a funky light show and hi-res connections View the full article

Sonos today unveiled a redesigned Sonos app that is meant to unify an increasingly fragmented streaming market. The app is focused around a customizable home screen that supports more than 100 streaming services, so each user can set up a personalized listening experience. The home screen layout can be customized, and it displays the services that each user has set up along with controls for accessing content. There are quick access options for recently played songs, podcasts, and books, along with options to browse libraries and see recommendations from preferred services. Favorite content and services can be pinned in rows to the home screen, and the rows are rearrangeable and customizable. A built-in always-visible search feature allows users to search for artists, songs, podcasts, audiobooks, and more across all of their preferred streaming apps. Swiping up from the bottom of the home screen allows for a quick visual overview of everything that's playing on connected devices, and there are tools for groping speakers and adjusting volume across the home. The new Sonos app will be available globally on mobile and through the web on May 7.Tag: Sonos This article, "Sonos Launches Redesigned App With Customizable Home Screen For More Personalized Listening" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Google's latest AI experiment, Gemini, is about to get a whole lot more useful thanks to support for third-party music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. This new development was apparently found in Gemini’s settings, and users will be able to pick their preferred streaming service to use within Gemini. Gemini has been running shifts all around different Google products, particularly as a digital assistant sometimes in place of and sometimes in tandem with Google Assistant. It’s still somewhat limited compared to Assistant and is not at the stage where it can fully replace the Google staple. One of these limitations is that it can’t enlist a streaming service of a user’s choice to play a song or other audio recording like many popular digital assistants (including Google Assistant) can. This might not be the case for long, however. The tech blog PiunikaWeb and X user @AssembleDebug claim that Gemini is getting the feature, and they have screenshots to back up their claim. Screenshots from PiunikaWeb’s tipster show that the Gemini app’s settings now have a new “Music” option, with text reading “Select preferred services used to play music” underneath. This will presumably allow users to choose from whatever streaming services Google deems compatible. Once you choose a streaming service, Gemini will hopefully work seamlessly with that service and enable you to control it using voice commands. PiunikaWeb suggests that users will be able to use Gemini for song identification, possibly by letting Gemini listen to the song, and then interact with a streaming app to try and find the song that’s playing in their surroundings, similar to the way Shazam works. If that’s the case, that’s one fewer separate app you’ll need. What we don't know yet, but hope to soon (Image credit: Shutterstock/Dean Drobot) This is all very exciting and from the screenshots, it looks like the feature is a good amount into development. It’s not clear if PiunikaWeb’s tipster could get the feature to actually work or which streaming services will work in sync with Gemini, and we don’t know when Google will roll this feature out. Still, it’s highly requested and a must if Google has plans for Gemini to take Assistant’s place, so it’ll probably be rolled out in a future Gemini update. It’s also indicative to me that Google seems pretty committed to expanding Gemini’s repertoire so that it joins Google’s other popular products and services. YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE... Google’s new Gemini Code Assist tool could be the best thing to happen to developers this yearThis could be the next Gemini AI trick you get on your Android phoneGoogle has fixed an annoying Gemini voice assistant problem – and more upgrades are coming soon View the full article

AI features are becoming increasingly integrated with music streaming platforms – just take a look at Spotify and it's wildly popular AI DJ. Now, Amazon Music is about to dip its toes into the pool of robot-generated playlists, recently announcing the addition of a feature called Maestro, its new AI playlist generator. Joining the likes of the best music streaming services, Maestro marks the beginning of Amazon Music’s venture into AI features. Maestro is currently rolling out in beta to a selected number of subscribers in the US, and will be available across all tiers of the service in the Amazon Music app for iOS and Android. Amazon Music describes Maestro as “an AI playlist generator that helps you create any playlist you can think of – plus all the ones you can’t”. From its first look, Maestro adopts a similar process to Spotify’s AI playlist feature, taking the chatbot approach where you can type or speak prompts which will curate a unique playlist – and you can even use emojis to be more specific with your prompts. In addition to emojis, Amazon Music says that you can also use emotions, activities, and sounds to create more specific playlists. And by the looks of it, you can be as unhinged with your prompts as you’d like – just try ‘music my grandparents made out to’ or ‘I want to recycle my boyfriend’. If you’re stuck with a prompt idea or have exhausted your creativity, you have the option to choose from a selection of suggested prompts such as ‘soundtrack for a lazy day’, ‘afrobeats energy boost’, or ‘make my baby a genius’. (Image credit: Amazon / Amazon Music) Though it’s an exciting step for Amazon Music, Maestro is still in its early stages of development and Amazon has warned that the feature “won’t always get it right the first time”. Despite this, Amazon has already implemented a system that blocks offensive language and inappropriate prompts from being used, and plans to use this testing period to gather user feedback and apply it to Maestro’s development. It’s evident that Amazon is doubling down on its AI integrations, following the roll out of its AI Skills apps for Alexa and its most recent Rufus chatbot that makes impulsive buying even more tempting. With Maestro, there’s no doubt that Amazon is playing catch up to its music streaming competitors, but is the new addition of its AI playlist generator a direct punch to Spotify’s gut? (Image credit: Amazon / Amazon Music ) You might also like Streaming music is broken – here's why it's made me fall in love with vinyl all over againMy verdict on the new Spotify? It's time to switch to Apple MusicSpotify's rumored remix feature could completely change how we listen to music View the full article

Spotify's elusive lossless music experience is being teased again, this time based on code uncovered by The Verge in recent builds of the Spotify app for Android. More than three years have elapsed since Spotify announced its intention to offer a "HiFi" premium option that would give users access to a catalog of CD-quality music tracks. Originally the company said the tier would go live by the end of 2021, but a shift in the wider streaming market upended that idea. Apple Music has since rolled lossless listening into its standard subscription price, while Amazon stopped charging extra for its lossless music library. The moves effectively kiboshed Spotify's original strategy of marketing an exclusively lossless HiFi tier. That said, it doesn't sound as if lossless is coming as a free perk. The latest rumors suggest that Spotify now aims to offer lossless audio playback in an optional "Music Pro" add-on that will also include new DJ remix features, which let subscribers "speed up, mash-up, and otherwise edit" tracks from their favorite artists, according to The Wall Street Journal. Spotify will likely make some basic remixing tools available as part of its Premium subscription (currently $10.99 a month, or $5.99 for students), but more powerful tools will be part of its "Music Pro" add-on. Where recent rumors of a new top "Supremium" tier fit in is unclear. Apple Music vs. Spotify Buyer's Guide The intended price of the premium add-on has not been revealed, but given that major rivals include lossless in their standard plans, expecting subscribers to pay anything more than a nominal fee may be a big ask.Tag: Spotify This article, "Elusive Spotify Lossless Option May Arrive as Paid 'Music Pro' Add-on" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

We've been dreaming of listening to lossless audio through Spotify ever since the music streaming service announced plans for Spotify HiFi all the way back in February 2021. More than three years on, the upgrade might finally be arriving, with a new name. Thanks to some diligent digging into the Spotify for Android code by the user Hypixely on Reddit (via The Verge), we now have evidence for an as-yet-unannounced Spotify feature called Music Pro, which Spotify is describing as an add-on. With mentions of "16-bit and 24-bit high-fidelity sound" and "Lossless listening" in the code though, this sure sounds like Spotify HiFi. Apparently, advanced mixing tools and playlist filtering features are going to be included too. There are no hints on price or when we might see this, but all the indications are that there'll be a new Music Pro add-on available for Spotify soon, including goodies such as lossless audio and the advanced remixing tools we reported on yesterday. Spotify takes its time So it won't be called Spotify HiFi any more... (Image credit: Spotify) In the words of the Beatles, it's been a long and winding road to get to this point. Since Spotify HiFi was originally announced in 2021 (and promised for later that year), we've had so little official news about it that we were prepared to declare the project dead. However, leaks from insiders and hidden code spotted in the Spotify apps have previously rekindled our hopes. In the past there's been mention of a new 'Supremium' plan, which now seems to have morphed into Music Pro. Code discovered in September 2023 pointed to a fee of $20 (about £16 / AU$31) per month, with extras such as AI playlist generation (since launched in beta for Premium subscribers), new ways to sort through your playlists, and more personalized music recaps. Spotify is clearly keen to get more money out of its users, and audiophiles may well be tempted into splashing out on Music Pro, if it has enough appeal. This should all be made official sooner rather than later... we hope. You might also like Spotify continues to venture into artificial intelligenceA new ChatGPT-like AI prompt makes it easy to create Spotify playlistsSpotify Supremium leaks reveal features and logo View the full article

DevOps is not just tech jargon—it’s a set of practices that musicians should learn to harmonize their rise to stardom. At its core, DevOps is about swift, efficient workflows, and that’s music to any artist’s ears. Incorporating these principles into your music-making can mean smoother productions and smarter releases. Picture streamlining how you create, collaborate, and distribute—as vital for chart success as the choruses you compose. So whether you’re a producer laying down beats or an artist piecing together a new album, let’s explore why understanding DevOps might just be your backstage pass to hitting the high notes in the industry. Tuning Up Efficiency in Music Making Just as DevOps practices keep tech projects on track, musicians can apply similar strategies to craft tunes more efficiently. It’s all about keeping a steady pace—working on your music regularly, seeking feedback swiftly, and releasing tracks frequently to stay fresh in fans’ ears. This continuous flow means you’re always fine-tuning and staying ahead of the game. For instance, producing Lo-Fi music, an increasingly popular genre known for its low fidelity and relaxing beats, could offer exciting opportunities. Plus, it’s not just about speed; it’s about smart moves that keep you in tune with what listeners love while maximizing your creative time in the studio. Remember: consistency is key to hitting those high notes in your career! A Symphony of Collaboration Tools Collaboration tools are like the bandmates you didn’t know you needed. These digital solutions let musicians and producers work together from anywhere, just like a virtual studio session. You could be laying down vocals in LA while your producer mixes beats in Berlin. And it’s not just about creating music; these tools help everyone stay on the same page with schedules, file sharing, and feedback. It is teamwork made simpler, making sure the final track is ready for the spotlight faster than ever before. With these tools in hand, creating that next hit can be a seamless jam session! Automation Think of automation as a personal assistant for the tech-savvy composer. It handles the repetitive stuff, so you’ve got more time to focus on crafting those killer melodies. For instance, it can take over posting updates to your fans on social media or even some parts of mixing tracks. This doesn’t mean letting a robot take over your art; it’s about using smart tech to free up creative space and energy. Using automation wisely means one thing: You’ll find yourself with extra hours to dive deep into your music, developing sounds that truly resonate with your audience. The Rhythm of Releases and Artist Visibility In today’s tune-filled world, dropping music non-stop might be your golden ticket to staying in the limelight. DevOps principles teach us to keep a steady stream of work flowing, and for musicians, this means releasing singles or EPs regularly. This method keeps your sound alive in listeners’ ears and algorithms’ suggestions. It’s about playing smart with the release calendar, setting a rhythm that both fans and streaming platforms can groove to. So, instead of waiting years to drop an album, think of rolling out tracks consistently. This strategy could turn the spotlight your way every time you share a new beat or lyric. Navigating Digital Distribution Channels The savvy musician knows that visibility is as crucial as the music itself. To max out your reach, you’ll want to distribute tracks on Apple Music, Spotify, and other streaming giants efficiently. Just like a DevOps pro might release software updates across different platforms seamlessly, you can synchronize your music releases across various channels for maximum impact. This ensures your latest sounds are just a tap away for every potential fan, no matter their preferred platform. It’s about casting a wide net with precision—a mix of reach and focus that could see your tunes traveling from underground favorites to chart-topping anthems. Leveraging Listener Data for Fine-Tuning Distributing your music is one part of the equation; understanding how it performs is another. The good news is that analyzing listener data from streaming services can help you make informed decisions—much like a DevOps team uses feedback to improve software. This data can show which of your songs are hits and which may need a remix or a different marketing approach. It’s about using real numbers to figure out what makes your audience tick and tailoring your music and promotion strategies accordingly. Harnessing the Power of Playlists In the rhythm of today’s music industry, playlists play a pivotal role. They’re like DJ sets for the digital age—curated collections that can propel tracks to new ears. By understanding how to get your music onto popular playlists, you can dramatically increase your exposure. To do this effectively requires a blend of networking with playlist curators and crafting songs that align with the desired vibe of each list. It’s more than making good music; it’s about strategic placement amidst the ocean of tunes—an effort that, when done right, amplifies your reach and reverberates across listening platforms. Cultivating a Continuous Learning Beat The music scene, much like technology, never stands still—it evolves. Continuous learning is key to keeping up with the tempo. Just as DevOps professionals must stay sharp on the latest tools and practices, musicians should actively seek new skills and knowledge. Whether it’s mastering the latest audio software or understanding the intricacies of music licensing laws, every bit of know-how can give you an edge. Consider dedicating time to online courses, attending industry workshops, or joining forums where musicians share trade secrets. It’s about being inquisitive and adaptable—an approach that not only refines your music but also ensures your career hits all the right notes in a dynamic landscape. Amplifying Impact Through Strategic Partnerships Finally, strategic partnerships can amplify the impact of your music far beyond what you could achieve solo. Consider collaborations with other artists, producers, or influencers as a live version of the DevOps principle of sharing and feedback. These partnerships can open doors to new audiences, provide opportunities for creative growth, and even lead to innovative cross-promotional strategies. Align with individuals and brands that resonate with your artistic vision and values. It’s about crafting alliances that not only elevate your sound but also solidify your standing in the complex ecosystem of the music industry. Final Note Embracing DevOps is about more than adopting new tools—it’s about cultivating a mindset that thrives on change, collaboration, and continuous improvement. For the musician maneuvering through the dynamic rhythms of the industry, these aren’t just practical skills; they’re essential for staying in tune with the digital age. So take a cue from DevOps and remix your approach to making and sharing music. The result? A career that not only stays relevant but resonates on a deeper level with an audience forever hungry for fresh sounds. Remember, in today’s digital concert hall, agility hits as hard as bass—and harmony in your workflow can amplify your artistry to its fullest potential. The post Why Understanding DevOps Could Be Your Key To Success In The Music Industry appeared first on DevOpsSchool.com. View the full article

YouTube Music’s browser app is giving Premium subscribers the ability to download songs for offline listening. Details of this upcoming change originate from a Reddit user who posted multiple screenshots of the altered service. There’s not much to go off at the moment. The images show there will be a new blue Download button in between Save to Library and the three-dot expandable menu above an album’s tracklist. Clicking it causes a Downloading window to pop up in the bottom left-hand corner denoting progress. Downloads on Web App from r/YoutubeMusic Once finished, you can head on over to the new Downloads tab on the Library page to find the song. A line of text underneath states music will stay on your device indefinitely so long as it connects to the internet “once every 30 days.” 9To5Google in their report states the feature will have filters allowing users to sort content by “Playlists, Podcasts, Songs, and Albums.” Limited roll out It’s important to mention that offline downloading may only be available to a handful of people. We happened to be one of the lucky few to have received the update on our YouTube Premium subscription (YouTube hasn't made any official announcement). If you look closely at our screenshot, the Download button is actually white instead of blue. (Image credit: Future) Some online reports claim people are unable to download podcasts. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case because we were able to grab a couple of episodes. All you have to do is click the three-dot menu to the right of the play button and select Download. The podcast will show up in your Library soon after. This is a big deal as Google Podcasts will be shutting down this April in the United States, forcing listeners over to YouTube Music. It looks like the platform is preparing for the inevitable flood of new people migrating over. (Image credit: Future) It’s unknown when this feature will officially roll out, although judging by its recent appearance, a release may be happening soon. YouTube Music users seem to be looking forward to getting the patch. On another Reddit post talking about the update, you’ll see multiple comments talking about how excited they are that offline downloading is just over the horizon. In our opinion, you can't listen to music without a good pair of headphones. For recommendations, check out TechRadar's list of the best headphones for 2024. You might also like The best free music downloader apps for your PC 2024The YouTube Kids app on smart TVs will stop working in July, and that's a worryYouTube TV could soon get some big upgrades for sports fans View the full article

As part of an effort to promote Apple Music on the PlayStation, Apple is offering PlayStation 5 owners up to six months of free access to the ‌Apple Music‌ streaming service. PlayStation 5 owners will need to sign into the PlayStation Network, download the ‌Apple Music‌ app, and follow the on-screen instructions to accept the offer. Users will need to sign in with an Apple ID or create one. The PlayStation website suggests that gamers use ‌Apple Music‌ to create a personalized gaming playlist to listen to before, during, and after gameplay sessions. The ‌Apple Music‌ promotion is only available on the PlayStation 5, and it has to be redeemed on a PlayStation 5 console. Only new and qualified returning subscribers to ‌Apple Music‌ can get free access, so this is not a deal that is available to current subscribers. New subscribers will receive six months of ‌Apple Music‌, while returning subscribers will get five months. Apple will be offering the deal until 11/15/24. After the six-month period expires, a subscription can be continued for $10.99 per month.Tag: Apple Music This article, "Six Months of Free Apple Music Available to PlayStation 5 Owners" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article