songrecognition
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You can now post your Shazam finds to Instagram Stories
Instagram's obsession with music is expanding to Shazam: The song-identifying app now works with Instagram Stories. Starting today, you'll be able to pull up Shazam, ID a song, and immediately post it to your Instagram Story.
Google brings its AI song recognition to Sound Search
Google's Now Playing song recognition was clever when it premiered late in 2017, but it had its limits. When it premiered on the Pixel 2, for instance, its on-device database could only recognize a relatively small number of songs. Now, however, that same technology is available in the cloud through Sound Search -- and it's considerably more useful if you're tracking down an obscure title. The system still uses a neural network to develop "fingerprints" identifying each song, and uses a combination of algorithms to both whittle down the list of candidates and study those results for a match. However, the scale and quality of that song matching is now much stronger.
Shazam's background listening feature comes to Android
Shazam can build you a Spotify playlist, help you discover new tunes and identify magazines, but song recognition is still at the heart of the app. Even with this core feature getting faster and quicker to start up, sometimes it can still be a race to ask for Shazam's ear before the DJ drops the next track. In the latest update to its Android app, though, Shazam has added the 'Auto' background listening feature so you never have to let a hot beat pass you by.
Siri in iOS 8 will let you identify songs and buy from iTunes
Siri is going to learn a few new tricks in iOS 8. As rumored, the voice assistant will now identify songs using Shazam; if you want to find out the name of a catchy track, you don't have to fire up a separate app. You'll also have the option of buying iTunes content. The speech-recognition system is smarter, to boot -- it now shows what you're saying in real time, and you can start commands by speaking, "Hey, Siri" (much like Android KitKat's "OK Google") instead of holding down the home button. There's no mention of integration with third-party apps so far, but this is still a big step forward for iOS users who prefer voice dictation for all their tasks.
Bloomberg: Apple wants to plug Shazam directly into iOS
It's easy to track down iPhone apps that name catchy tunes, but it now looks like Apple wants to spare you from having to search in the first place. Bloomberg sources claim that a future version of iOS will incorporate Shazam's song recognition in the same way that the existing mobile platform integrates Facebook and Twitter. While built-in music detection wouldn't be a new idea (just ask Windows Phone users), you could ask Siri to tell you what's playing rather than hit a button. There aren't any clues as to when the feature would reach iOS. However, Apple's Worldwide Developer Conference begins in early June -- if the rumor is accurate, there's a good chance we'll get the full scoop in a matter of weeks.
Shazam's new iPhone app gives you faster access to lyrics and music videos
If you're like us, you usually stop using Shazam as soon as you've identifed that catchy tune -- while the software has a lot of features under the hood, they haven't been easy to find. That's why the company is rolling out the first phase of an iPhone app redesign. Its new song interface (available later today) puts real-time lyrics front and center, and a song's music video is just a short hop away. Shazam is also making it easier to buy or stream content, whether it's a hit song or a TV show. iPhone owners should expect further big updates later this month. Android-based listeners will have to be more patient, however, as today's interface revamp won't hit their devices until sometime in the "coming weeks."
Shazam for iPhone can now listen for songs and shows in the background
Ever rush to identify a song with Shazam with your phone, only to be frustrated as the tune ends before you've even reached into your pocket? That won't be a concern with the latest update to Shazam's iPhone app. Much like on the iPad, the new audio recognition software can listen for music, live events and TV shows in the background, even if the device is locked; a night at the bar could leave you with a full playlist. There's still no corresponding Android update, but iPhone owners can start producing the soundtrack of their lives after a quick trip to the App Store.
German police may use a song recognition app to fight neo-Nazi music
Song recognition apps like Shazam primarily exist to name catchy tunes on the radio, but Germany could soon use one to fight crime. Police in the state of Saxony have developed a smartphone app that identifies neo-Nazi music playing at social events or through internet radio stations. The software would help officials bust those violating national laws that limit access to far-right music. It's not certain that you'll see German cops bringing out their smartphones at extremist rallies, however. The country's interior ministers are discussing the app's viability this week, but Germany's existing laws on acoustic surveillance could heavily restrict its use. [Image credit: AP Photo/Markus Schreiber]
