Apple could offer song ID feature in next iOS, may tie up with Shazam

Apple might soon add a feature to iOS which will enable the users to use their iPhone and iPads to identify a song using a songmatching service. For this Apple will be partnering with Shazam which has a similar app on Android and iOS.   According to Bloomberg, Apple plans to introduce a song discovery feature will help the users to know what song is playing by using the microphone of their iPhone or iPad. This feature is similar to what we have seen in Shazam’s very own app that asks users to hold their devices close to a sound source. The app then identifies the song by browsing through its huge song database.   One of the ways to access the proposed feature by Apple is by using its very own voice assistant Siri. User can simply ask Siri questions like “What song is playing?” and it will return the answer.   One drawback that Shazam app has is that it has to be separately downloaded and is available in free as well as a paid (ad-free) version. This is where Apple differs in its implementation of this feature. As per the report, it could integrate this feature into iOS which implies that the users won’t need a separate app.   Music has been one of the major contributors to Apple’s success story. Its iTunes has changed the way music is consumed and sold and Apple has shown alacrity in adjusting to trends. Last year, it introduced its very own music streaming service iTunes Radio .   Bloomberg also reports that Apple is planning to take iTunes Radio outside US. If true, then it will certainly help the company to move ahead of close rival Pandora which is also restricted to US market only.   Although it is not yet confirmed, this feature might be a part of the iOS 8 update that Apple is expected to show at its Worldwide Developers Conference this June.