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Amazon offers students Music Unlimited for 99 cents per month
Amazon is offering Prime Student subscribers a solid deal on a Music Unlimited plan. Members can gain access to the music streaming service for an extra 99 cents per month. Students who don't have a Prime Student plan can opt for a six-month trial, and then add the Music Unlimited subscription at the cut-price rate. Six bucks for half a year of ad-free music is nothing to sniff at.
Amazon Echo speakers and Music Unlimited head to 28 more countries
It took Amazon a while to get its streaming music strategy truly off the ground -- its Music Unlimited service, with competes with Spotify, Apple Music and the like, only launched last fall. But today, both Music Unlimited and the Echo smart speaker lineup are expanding in a big way: Amazon has announced that both are available in 28 new countries, most of which are found across Europe and South America.
Amazon's Music Unlimited family plan comes to the UK
When Amazon launched its unlimited music streaming subscription in the UK, it offered access to over 40 million tracks, thousands of curated playlists and tight integration with its Echo speaker. The one thing it didn't provide was a dedicated family plan like those offered by Spotify and Apple Music. It took more than three weeks, but Amazon has today extended its subscription to include a Family option -- it costs £15 a month or £149 for a full year and allows up to six people to stream to their heart's content.
Amazon Music Unlimited now available in the UK from £8 a month
After months of rumours and teasing, Amazon finally launched its own unlimited music streaming service in October. Access was initially reserved access for US customers, but today the retailer is expanding to the UK. Music Unlimited -- Amazon's answer to Spotify and Apple Music -- offers over 40 million tracks and starts at £7.99 per month or £79 per year if you're a Prime member (£9.99 for everyone else) and comes with an discounted "For Echo" plan that costs £3.99 each month.
MetroPCS' new music streaming product doesn't use up your data
If you're a music-loving MetroPCS customer, you'll want to know about this. The prepaid provider has just launched a new streaming product called "Music Unlimited" that gives you a way to access your subscriptions without going over your data cap. It's pretty much a repackaged version of its parent company's (that is, T-Mobile's) Music Freedom and comes bundled with the provider's $40, $50 and $60 plans. The carrier says it supports over 30 streaming services, including Apple Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Rhapsody and Spotify. In addition, MetroPCS has introduced a new feature called Data Maximizer -- its T-Mobile counterpart is Binge On -- that optimizes or crunches videos from select services, so you can watch much more without obliterating your data allowance. When these features go live on November 19th, the carrier will also boost its $40 and $50 plans with an additional 1GB of data and up its mobile hotspot's tethering cap from 6GB to 8GB. [Image credit: JeepersMedia/Flickr]
'Tron'-like headphones, virtual reality at Sundance and other stories you might've missed this week!
We get it. It's been a busy week. Luckily, we're here to catch you up on the release date of the Apple Watch, VR headsets in Hollywood and all the other cool stuff you may have accidentally glossed over during five days on the daily grind.
Sony closing Music Unlimited in favor of Spotify-powered service (update)
Sony today revealed PlayStation Music, a new Spotify-powered music service coming to PlayStation 3, 4 and "Xperia smartphones and tablets" this spring. The service will outright replace Music Unlimited, the service that Sony previously implemented across devices, powered by its own enormous music catalog. The news marks the first time Spotify has come to any game console, and is a major coup for Sony's PlayStation group in the battle for major home entertainment apps on game consoles (Xbox One notoriously got HBO Go first). PlayStation Music will require a Spotify paid subscription (the "Premium" membership), and enables both playback on the aforementioned devices and the ability to listen to music in the background during games. When the service launches at some point in Spring 2015, it'll be available in "41 markets around the world." Update: The PlayStation Music service will support the "ad-supported free tier" of Spotify as well, a Sony rep told Engadget.
Sony hopes Michael Jackson's legacy can boost its streaming music service
Sony sure knows how to dangle a carrot in front of its customers. In a not-so-subtle use of music industry clout to drive its technology business, the company is offering access to five tunes off of the Michael Jackson album Xscape on its Music Unlimited streaming service days before the album's official debut (May 13th in the US). Meanwhile, iTunes and other services are getting one early song at best.
Sony's Video and Music Entertainment chief wants the PS4 to be your everything
The reviews are out, and the PlayStation 4 is, in fact, much of what we'd hoped it'd be: a fabulous gaming machine with a social personality. It has lived up to it's next-gen label, thus far. But there's another aspect to the PS4 that may prove to be equally as important to the console's long-term success against its main rival from Microsoft. I'm talking about video and music services.
Sony to gift early PS4 owners $10 PS Store credit, 30-day Plus and Music trials
Microsoft may have dropped a whole lot of news on us today, but that doesn't mean Sony hasn't got a few surprises up its sleeve. With just a week until the PlayStation 4 hits stores in North America, the company has revealed a trio of surprises for PlayStation 4 buyers when they receive their units on launch day. As part of a special promotion, Sony will include $10 credit for its PlayStation Store, which can be used to against games, music or movies, a free 30-day membership to PlayStation Plus and a 30-day trial for its Music Unlimited streaming service. Sony appears to be onboarding gamers in the hope they'll enjoy its multiplayer gaming and media services enough to stump up the cash for a full subscription. The company says the offer is available for a limited period, and that its music offer will only apply to new users.
Sony Entertainment Network's Shawn Layden on security, indie content creators and more
Roughly a year and half ago, PlayStation Network IDs transformed into Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) accounts, and since then we've been introduced to the next-generation of console gaming for PlayStation. We caught up with Sony Network Entertainment COO Shawn Layden at IFA for a progress report on how the platform is doing on the eve of the PS4's launch. Considering a 2011 security breach was arguably the largest hiccup the PSN and PS3 have experienced, we wondered just what the firm had done to shore up its defenses for the next-gen wave. As it turns out, operations have been re-tooled, but Hirai and Co. aren't forthcoming with details. "As a result of that (the hack), we've instituted a number of measures, systems and protocols inside the platform, which you'll understand why I can't speak to that in any detail whatsoever," Layden said. "We had our baptism by fire early in 2011, and we've come out stronger and with more users from that point forward." In fact, Layden sats the PSN storefront saw more business the month it came back online than it had garnered up to that point.
Sony Music Unlimited gets quick controls and in-game playback on PS4
We knew that Sony's Music Unlimited would be available on the PlayStation 4 on day one. What we didn't know, was that the company would be bringing a number of much-requested features to the streaming music app on its next-gen console. For one, you'll finally be able to listen to music while you play games -- a feature that was not only much-requested, but its absence was something of a head-scratcher. There are also new quick controls, which you can bring up by hitting the PS Home button, no matter where you are in the UI. So, even if you're not actually in the Music Unlimited app, you'll still be able to skip and pause tracks with just a couple of quick button presses.
Sony rolls out updates for its Walkman, Movies and Album apps (video)
Starting today, Sony is rolling out updates for three of its media apps: Walkman, Album and Movies. Across the board, the most notable change is that each of the apps will now have enhanced integration with your media in the cloud. For example, Walkman app users will now be able to search both locally stored and cloud-based content through Music Unlimited. Similarly, Movies, which is getting a minor facelift with a tweaked interface, has been synced up with Video Unlimited to provide more content accessible from Sony devices. Lastly, the Album app is getting its share of upgrades, including PlayMemories Online integration, intelligent recall playback and a new favorites feature. The updates are being introduced gradually for owners of Xperia devices running Android Jelly Bean 4.2 via an over-the-air download through the Update Center. For more info, check out the video after the break.
Sony Music Unlimited for iOS adds high-quality streams and offline mode
Just a few weeks ago, we learned that Sony Music Unlimited for iOS would be introducing offline mode and high-quality streaming, and today that update has gone live in the app store. Music Unlimited subscribers can now save songs, albums and playlists for easy listening even when short an internet connection. When online, you'll have the option of switching on high-quality streaming of 320 Kbps AAC files -- just remember to keep an eye on how much data you're gobbling up. Lastly, version 1.3.1 also includes a new tray-style global menu. To check out the new features for yourself, download the app at the source link below.
Sony Music Unlimited for iOS gains offline mode, 320 Kbps streams
Sony Music Unlimited is still a relative newbie on the iOS scene, but users will soon find a new revision that brings high-quality streaming and offline playback to the fold. According to Sony, version 1.3 of Music Unlimited for iOS is just around the bend, which will bring the ability to download entire albums or single tracks that can later be accessed within the app's offline mode. Also new in the latest update, you'll find high-quality streaming of 320 Kbps AAC files, which can be enabled in the app's settings. Sadly, you can't download high-quality files for offline playback, but at least iOS users can take solace in parity with the Android version.
PlayStation Plus adds monthly subscription option for $10, discounts Music Unlimited to $42
PlayStation Plus offers do come around every now and then, but Sony has just announced a more permanent addition to the service: the option of a $10 (or 7 euro) monthly membership to supplement the regular 90-day and annual subscriptions. The lack of commitment comes at quite a price, given that the longer contracts bring the the effective monthly cost down to $6 and $4 respectively, but it may still make sense for flighty types. Anyway, once you're in, you'll find a secondary, time-limited offer: an annual Music Unlimited Premium subscription for $42 (42 euros), which is okay, but nowhere near the discount offered in 2012. Those who remain outside of Sony's inner circle can also temporarily get 12 months of Music Unlimited for $60, or half of the usual cost. Lastly, a few more E3 crumbs: the PlayStation Network is now officially called "PSN", which is pretty much what we called it anyway, and PlayStation Plus also gets a new logo (shown after the break, not that it's especially shocking.), reflecting reflect its heightened status in the PS4 era
Sony upgrades Music Unlimited to 320Kbps streaming on Android, PS3 and the web
Higher quality audio is a staple of the experience for a growing number of streaming music services, most notably Spotify. Sony won't let itself become the exception to the rule: Music Unlimited now has an option for a much more detailed 320Kbps bitrate. The quality upgrade is staggered and is initially active on Android devices, the PlayStation 3 and the web player, while desktops, iOS, the PlayStation Vita and home theater gear will get improved tunes later on in the year. Music Unlimited won't appease those who want a consistent experience in the near term, then -- still, it might be enough for listeners whose Xperia serves as a primary jukebox.
Sony discounting one year of Music Unlimited Premium to $12 for PlayStation Plus members, $60 for everyone else
Looking to get your Jazzy Jeff on at the family Thanksgiving get-together? Starting on November 20th, Sony will reward its loyal PlayStation Plus members this holiday season by offering a year of its Music Unlimited Premium service at the discounted rate of $12. Regularly priced at $10 per month, this plan allows users to stream ad-free music across multiple devices, including: PS3, PSP, PS Vita, PC, Mac, iPod, iPhone, Android devices and more. For those without a PlayStation Plus subscription, you can pick up the service at a reduced premium of $60 for the year. Since Sony hasn't detailed how long this promo will run, we suggest that you move swiftly if you're looking to take advantage.
Sony Xperia Tablet S hands-on (video)
Sony officially launched its new tablet here at IFA -- and it's keeping that folded-over profile. Happily, it's running Android ICS. We've just spent some time with the Xperia Tablet S here in Berlin and it's looking like Sony wants this to be the center of your media-consuming world. The new tablet pals up with the company's range of phones, bearing that familiar Xperia branding on a freshly hewn metal slab. Yes, the new tablet sidesteps the plastic build of Sony's last two tablets going for a solid metal build. Fortunately, it feels just as light in the hand, while that folded design also remains well-balanced. We're particularly pleased with the tactile finish on the folded-over surface of the tablet -- it's very grippable. Internally, we're dealing with a quad-core Tegra 3 processor, while a 10-inch 1,280 x 800 IPS display will be showing off all that media and gaming content. Browse our gallery of images below and check out our hands-on video and first impressions after the break. %Gallery-163657%
Sony announces 60-day Music Unlimited trial for new customers, new monthly subscription tier
CEO Kaz Hirai didn't spend too much time on it during the keynote, but Sony has just announced two new changes to its Music Unlimited service that it no doubt hopes will help it lure in more customers. The first is a 60-day free trial that will be available to all new customers. Those looking to stay on beyond that will also now have a new subscription option to choose from, dubbed Access, which will give you unlimited streaming for a monthly fee of €4.99 (or just over $6).
