Former Beats Execs Jimmy Iovine and Trent Reznor Leading Development of Apple's New Music Service

[MacRumors]

Rumors about a revamped Apple-branded Beats streaming music service have been circulating since September of last year, but as the launch of the service draws nearer, information on pricing and content has been leaking out.

In a detailed report on the upcoming service published today, The New York Times confirms some previously known information and adds new details on the roles Trent Reznor and Jimmy Iovine are playing in the development of the music service. The report also divulges some information on Apple's interest in exclusive album releases and the company's work on an iTunes Radio revamp.

Apple's upcoming streaming music service is said to take on many of the characteristics of the existing Beats Music service, with a focus on curated playlists and a "vivid visual appeal" that also fits into Apple's minimal design aesthetic. It's unlikely to retain the "Beats Music" moniker, and it is being tested as a part of an upcoming update to iOS, previously said to be iOS 8.4.

As previously rumored, while Apple hoped to price its new service at $7.99, undercutting the prices of competing services like Spotify and Rdio, it saw significant resistance from record companies. As a result, the service will likely be priced similarly to those other services, at $9.99 per month, but it will have no free tier.

Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor, who was the Chief Creative Officer at Beats before it was acquired by Apple, is "playing a major role" in the redesign of the music streaming app. Jimmy Iovine, Beats co-founder, is also said to be playing an important role furthering Apple's music ambitions.

Mr. Iovine has set the tone of the transformation of Apple's music plans, according to music executives. Mr. Iovine, who reports to Eddy Cue, Apple's head of software and Internet services, has been leading aggressive talks to secure prominent album releases that will be exclusive to Apple, akin to what Beyoncé did when she released her self-titled album on iTunes in December 2013. One music executive involved in the negotiations described this part of the new iTunes as "Spotify with Jimmy juice."

Along with a revamped music service, Apple is said to be planning to debut an enhanced version of iTunes Radio, which will be more tailored to listeners in regional markets and more like a traditional radio station. Recent hire Zane Lowe, a former BBC radio DJ has joined the iTunes Radio team as part of this effort.

Rumors have suggested that Apple's revamped music service will debut at this year's Worldwide Developers Conference, alongside a new streaming television service and a new Apple TV set-top box.

Article Link: Former Beats Execs Jimmy Iovine and Trent Reznor Leading Development of Apple's New Music Service

 

[DougTheImpaler]

Reznor is a good sign. He's given away tons of stuff for free.

 

[Eduardo1971]

Yes, as an avid Trent Reznor/Nine Inch Nails fan, I too, look forward to his involvement.

 

[mazz0]

Surely they're not planning on keeping iTunes Radio and Beats as separate services?

 

[JPLC]

I would like to give it a try. Always liked Pandora.

 

[coolfactor]

Surely they're not planning on keeping iTunes Radio and Beats as separate services?

That's my question. As an iTunes Match customer, I was looking forward to using iTunes Radio, but it STILL has not come to Canada, and now likely won't. Instead, I'll need to pay $12 a month (CAD) for a streaming music-only service. No thanks.

All I have to say is that this Beats thing better be GOOD and UNIQUE rather than some also-ran streaming music service.

 

[peglegjack]

So I guess this was never part of iOS 8.3?

 

[elmateo487]

What do you guys think this all means for the beats api? Is it possible they would keep an api for their stuff? Probably not.

 

[damir00]

Wow that looks awful.

 

[Imory]

I would like to give it a try. Always liked Pandora.

This is nothing like Pandora though. Pandora is basically web radio, whereas these streaming services are basically, pick anything you want, with no restrictions. Most streaming services also include a type of radio feature, but it's not really at the level of Pandora.

 

[sualpine]

Vinyl > Soundcloud > Grooveshark > Bandcamp > Spotify > ...

I see no place for it.

 

[ttss6]

For a free trial, you get a U2 playlist preinstalled!

 

[bigandtasty]

how about a new version of iTunes as well... The current version is horrible.

 

[sualpine]

how about a new version of iTunes as well... The current version is horrible.

If you're still using iTunes, you're doing it wrong.

 

[jdoll021]

One music executive involved in the negotiations described this part of the new iTunes as "Spotify with Jimmy juice."

Ok, I'll keep Spotify and you can keep the "Jimmy juice."

 

[LoveToMacRumors]

Is this going to replace the music app??

 

[samcraig]

Nothing about this excites me

 

[MH01]

Let's see what they come up with, and hopefully it's not just US.

 

[Elvergun]

Whats the bitrate?????

 

[inhalexhale1]

Vinyl > Soundcloud > Grooveshark > Bandcamp > Spotify > ...

I see no place for it.

I can't see anything replacing my $4.99 Spotify plan (student discount). It's a great service at an amazing price.

 

[nando87]

Let's see what they come up with, and hopefully it's not just US.

And when was the last time it wasn't just the US? Being an Apple customer in Europe sucks when it comes down to services. No Apple Radio, no Beats Music, completely useless Apple TV...

I won't give up Spotify because it's great and has been with me for years without geographical discrimination, no matter what Apple come up with. And, of course, it's for free.

 

[technosix]

Nothing about the acquisition or remaking of Beats is of interest.

It still seems like Apple bought it to look cool or whatever word the hip hop / rap subculture might use to signify its popularity.

Featured "songs" include tracks laced with obscenities so disgusting if written here they'd be banned, deleted and obliterated as they very well should.


Source: lyrics for one of today's most popular songs on iTunes

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/nickiminaj/trufflebutter.html

 

[The Doctor11]

Is this going to replace the music app??

Hell no. You will still have your normal music app for iTunes radio and your music. The new beats music app would be in addition to that.

If its paid only it better not show up on my device's next September... I got my eye on you . I hope your hearing me.

 

[nando87]

Source: one of today's most popular songs on iTunes

http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/nickiminaj/trufflebutter.html

seriously? Where?

 

[verniesgarden]

Reznor is a good sign. He's given away tons of stuff for free.

well U2 tried and well, they couldn't even give that album away

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And when was the last time it wasn't just the US? Being an Apple customer in Europe sucks when it comes down to services. No Apple Radio, no Beats Music, completely useless Apple TV...

I won't give up Spotify because it's great and has been with me for years without geographical discrimination, no matter what Apple come up with. And, of course, it's for free.

Spotify didn't exist in the US for a long time.