You make the assumption that if Steve Jobs was still alive, he would still be at Apple.
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Here's a First Look at Apple Music's Voice Plan Launching With iOS 15.2
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I’m sure Apple has done the necessary research that us regular users have not done to decide that this was a valid business decision.
Like others, I’m assuming this is aimed at HomePod users? Even though those with HomePods are most likely dedicated Apple fans that probably already have Apple Music (or other music streaming service)…
Since this plan disables higher quality streaming like Dolby and Spatial Audio, I’m assuming this is more like a “basic” plan, although I still find it strange that they felt the need to make it Siri-only as it’s not like it saves them money by forcing you to use your voice?
Like others, I’m assuming this is aimed at HomePod users? Even though those with HomePods are most likely dedicated Apple fans that probably already have Apple Music (or other music streaming service)…
Since this plan disables higher quality streaming like Dolby and Spatial Audio, I’m assuming this is more like a “basic” plan, although I still find it strange that they felt the need to make it Siri-only as it’s not like it saves them money by forcing you to use your voice?
It looks like a whole bunch of people are missing the point. This is not intended as a competitor against "normal" Apple Music subscriptions. Amazon has a cheap subscription music plan specifically for people who have an Alexa smart speaker (I seem to recall it being $4/mo), that only lets them play music (by voice request) from that Alexa speaker. This new plan (and a HomePod mini) is intended as a competitor for that specific market. Something for folks to stick in their kitchen for casual listening - "Hey Siri, play holiday music". Sure, you could use it with an iPhone or Mac or whatever, but that's not the intent. If you're getting outraged because it doesn't fit your needs, you are not the target market.
I hope this doesn't result in more people talking to their iPhones at the gym, on the subway and on the plane.
I honestly don't think Apple could pay me to use this service. Siri is amongst the biggest frustrations Apple has ever produced. I cannot tell you just how much I dislike using it and I turn it off any and every chance I get.
Well... assuming he was still alive, I can't imagine a situation where while he was still sentient he would relinquish control of his company. I mean, he fought cancer for 7-8 years or so and finally stepped down only 2 months before he died. He doesn't strike me as the type of person that would retire at 66, which is how old he would be today.
Clearly, this plan is meant as a "gateway drug" to more Apple Music subscriptions. Want Apple Music but don't want to pay $9.99? Subscribe to the Voice Plan, eventually get frustrated with it, and upgrade to the full subscription.
I do not subscribe to Apple Music but use Siri to play music from my Library through the Phone or CarPlay and it works well most of the time, so this interests me.
The primary reason I don't subscribe to Apple Music is I don't want it screwing up my existing Library of 30GB worth of non-DRM protected music. I also use iTunes Match for my hard copy CD collection.
So, I would love to have Apple Music but without the hassle of my library being modified. (Yes, I know it's not supposed to remove any songs you've already purchased when you subscribe but I don't trust it.) If I can use Siri to access any song for a cheaper rate, that might interest me. Remains to be seen whether this will still screw up my Library or not.
TLDR: Despite it being a clear "gateway drug," I'm interested in this plan as an over-the-top layer solution to not subscribe to Apple Music but also have some of the benefits. More investigation is required before I'll sign up.
This user experience sounds almost exactly like it is to listen to apple music on an alexa speaker. You cannot cast your apple music to an Alexa speaker you can only request music and playlists to be played through voice command. It's hit or miss with results but mostly miss.
90 million songs to select from for $5 a month - everyone here is complaining - nobody has even tried it yet - Amazing.
Nope. Reading all the comments leads me to believe the reaction to this strange, strange service is as close to a consensus as you'll ever get here on MR. The people have spoken and it's a great big…
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The rock quarry employees take umbrage with your comment.
Outside of MR land, where up is down and every other day is doomsday, I think a lot of people will make use of this new plan.
Ha!
“I (a very specific and minor group) wouldn’t use this, so it’s terrible.”
Why you’re posting to forums rather than running big corporations.
“I (a very specific and minor group) wouldn’t use this, so it’s terrible.”
Why you’re posting to forums rather than running big corporations.
Let’s go one step further: unless you pay iCloud+ subscription, you cannot open stock mail app, contact app, phone app (except for emergency calls), notes app, calendar app, reminder app etc etc.Getting my bowl of popcorn out to watch the deserved flames rise. Maybe we should pay extra for album art...color art, that's extraI should not be so negative during the holidays. To each his own...Happy Holidays!
And without Apple Music you can’t use apple music app. Without Apple TV sub you cannot use Apple TV app. The list can go on and on.
Because Siri is garbage, and catalogue is the last thing people worry. It’s just that simple.