February 1 launch for Amazon Music Unlimited in Australia, NZ
Amazon Music Unlimited will launch in Australia and New Zealand on February 1, with 45 million songs and hundreds of ad-free playlists and personalised stations.
It offers voice activation through Amazon’s Alexa and Echo to find content and change stations, which is expected to generate strong take-up. Amazon’s smart speakers will alsolaunch with a regional version of Alexa, featuring a voice for Australia and New Zealand, local knowledge offerings and skills created by developers in the region.
“We’ve seen phenomenal feedback from customers who use Amazon Music Unlimited, and we’re thrilled to bring an entirely new world of music streaming possibilities to listeners in Australia and New Zealand,” stated Sean McMullan, Head of International Expansion for Amazon Music.
“We’re opening doors for our customers to have access to an incredible catalogue of music, and to be able to listen to some of their favourite artists while using the power of voice in exciting new ways.”
Amazon’s music streaming services have had a sharp rise in take-up around the world.
In 2014, it was ranked 14th in the music streaming sector. By late last year UK media and technology analysis company MIDiA Research was placing it at #3, with a reported paying subscriber level at 16 million.
By comparison, at the same time, Spotify had 58 million and Apple Music crunched 28 million.
Amazon Music Unlimited’s ANZ launch comes with 150 playlists and stations featuring popular and emerging artists from the region. Examples includeWomen Crush Wednesday and Divas Down Under showcasing female performers from both countries, while theAustralian Rock Royaltyplaylist covers five decades from rock legends.
Top 50 Australia and Top 40 New Zealand present songs from local charts, updated weekly for users to discover what’s trending. Stations including Top Dance, Top Alternative and Acoustic Pop also incorporate ANZ acts.
From February 1, new subscribers can sign up for a free 90-day trial of Amazon Music Unlimited for a limited time via the website.
Amazon Music Unlimited will be available through three monthly plan options.
The Echo Plan offers full access on the entry point of A$4.99 a month on a single Echo, Echo Dot or Echo Plus.
The Individual Plan costs $11.99 a month.
The upcoming Family Plan will allow up to six members of a household to share a subscription for $17.99 a month.
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