Three reasons I can see:But… why?
I think plenty of people will who are interested in cheap streaming. I don't know a lot of casual listeners who actually make their own playlists, the same type of listener who's fine with their car radio and doesn't bother with bluetooth/aux in. Similarly, just ask your HomePod to play new music for you, or an album specifically, etc. You don't need a visual interface, look at the older iPod Shuffles that didn't have screens at all.No one will sign up. They'll be giving away free trials in no time.
..... and that you can adjust things in app "Apple Music Voice Plan subscribers will get a customized in-app experience with suggestions based on the listener’s music preferences and a queue of recently played music through Siri. Within the app there will also be a dedicated section called “Just Ask Siri” where subscribers can learn tips to optimize Siri for Apple Music."
This is my take too. I am wondering if I would be able to invoke my already existing curated playlists on this plan? If so, this is right in line with my needs.It’s pretty good actually. For those that have their own curated collection of music, but also have home pods, it’s pretty handy to ask it to play anything you want when in the kitchen, or with the kids, or otherwise needing a quick music fix. And it’s Apple Music at half the price.
I only every use Apple Music with my voice for the home pod or the car. So I’m now saving a fiver a month.
My actual music is not affected.
Oh OK, good to know you can still do that even if it's way more inefficient.You can ask for songs, playlists Albums etc, what you don’t get with this plan are music videos and lyrics
I missed the very beginning of the keynote, so when I saw this headline that was my first thought. What a letdown. LOL.They managed to give it an interesting name, though.
I saw it and thought "Oh, is Apple getting into the phone plan business now?" I certainly wouldn't mind switching to an Apple cellular plan that's only $5/month.
It does not. The plan comparisons make a distinction between "Available on Apple devices" (Voice) and "Available on other supported devices" (all others).Did they say if this will work with Alexa speakers?
Indeed. Offhand, I'd guess it's aimed at lower barrier-of-entry for casual listeners, who maybe are just getting this subscription and a HomePod mini. No physical interface, just talk to Siri, and you can ask for any song, or album, or artist, and any of the playlists they provide, but you can't build your own playlists. It wouldn't interest me, but I can perhaps see what they were aiming for...But… why?
I think we should be able to use Siri, on any of our Apple devices to find/play/stop music without having to pay for it. I won't even call it a privilege, it should be a free and basic with every Music subscription. I can see the natural connection to the HomePod for voice commanded music. But paying for it seems money grubbing on the part of Apple.Obviously tied to HomePod minis.
You are mistaken:I think we should be able to use Siri, on any of our Apple devices to find/play/stop music without having to pay for it. I won't even call it a privilege, it should be a free and basic with every Music subscription. I can see the natural connection to the HomePod for voice commanded music. But paying for it seems money grubbing on the part of Apple.
Maybe I don't understand the service? I hope that is the case. If not I hope this is not voted for by Apple customers via a subscription.