Ever since the internet broke with Taylor Swift's scathing love letter to Apple over its streaming service, I got interested. For the longest time, Apple has dominated the music scene with revolutionary services from iTunes to the iTunes store. But with services like Spotify and Pandora snapping at its heels plus its acquisition of Beats Radio, Apple looks poised to try and take on the competition head on. When I tried Apple Music, there was the usual show and pizzaz
For starters, Apple Music has this weird psychedelic bubble action going that helps the app know what kind of music tastes I have. Apart from the usual options of classical, pop, R&B genres, my geographical location had the unintended addition of: Malayan and Indo music, J and K-pop, and other Asian music. Maybe one of these days I'll take the risk to try those out. But for now I decided to stick with some pop standards and true enough, Apple made quick use of my selections with songs and tracks I don't know. Just one of the signs my music/radio listening skills have been sorely neglected.
Feeling lost, I decided to try out the radio feature This replaces the old Apple Radio that never got around to coming to the Philippines. Apple had to revamp their entire Music app to finally bring the radio option here. If earlier on I was lost, the radio option has a little more order and familiarity to me. Pop, workout, classic and even the BBC are found here. This was well and good for me, with the 3 month trial I made quick work of the unlimited skips of songs I didn't really know or didn't feel like listening to.
While listening, I saved music I have been meaning to listen to for quite some time, songs stuck in my head or those I've heard on the radio were automatically saved to my library for offline listening and enjoyment later on. Like Spotify, any music streaming service isn't complete without the search option, Apple takes that to a different level with some Twitter-like "follow" action happening going on. To be honest I have no idea what the option does or how it makes my music experience even better, I haven't seen any change in the options offered. Maybe in due time as the service expands there will be some discernible or significant change.
For the moment I am enjoying Apple's trial period, I found some small measure of joy finding a million or so songs ready for my listening pleasure at the palm of my hand. But will I continue with the service after 3 months? I would probably stick with the non-membership plan and enjoy the comforts of easy and casual listening.