Get to know Apple’s new streaming service and how it will challenge Spotify

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The latest streaming service from Apple has officially been unveiled at WWDC 2015 and it’s set to shake things up in the battle of the music streaming giants.

Apple formally announced their new service overnight along with an endorsement from Champagne Papi AKA Drake. Not only will the new music app provide the radio and playlist elements that we’ve come to expect from Spotify, but will also include a cutting-edge social networking-style feature and 24 hour radio station headed up by former BBC Radio 1 host DJ Zane Lowe.

The UX seems like a winner, clean and intuitive and incomparable to other streaming services like Tidal, YouTube MusicKey and Spotify but similarly trying to stretch out “beyond music” to be a full service entertainment provider. Apple’s major competitor in Samsung have also recently reviled a kick-ass music playlist service called MILK that takes a new angle on playlists, similar to Pandora.

However, Apple driving itself further in to the world of hyper-consumed media sparks some alarms. With every ‘dickhead and their dog’ wanting their own streaming service, it’s the consumer that comes out on top but the artists and content creators who suffer most. The balance between the two are hard when the game plan is to capture the most users and return profit for shareholders. Apple and Spotify have both copped flack for providing models that don’t value creators favourably in the past, but industry experts predict the new paid subscription model from Apple (without a free base model) will likely move artists in the right direction. We won’t hold our breath.Take a look at the demonstration below and make up your own mind:
With a release date set for June 30 this year, there are still several key details that are being kept top-secret for now.Here’s what we know about the app so far:Cost: After a free 3-month trial, there will be two different tiers of payment; a basic package ( $US9.99 per month) and an advanced package for up to six family members ($US14.99 per month).Operating systems:  iOS devices, Mac and PC will be available immediately after the release, with Android products to follow shortly after

New technology: The app will feature new Siri® capabilities which aim to allow easier access to music and artist’s catalogues without having to search for it.

Social connection: Apple have stated that the service will include social media capabilities beyond what the rival streaming services offer…

Artists and fans now have an incredible way to connect with one another directly in Apple Music with Connect. Through Connect, artists can share lyrics, backstage photos, videos or even release their latest song directly to fans directly from their iPhone. Fans can comment on or like anything an artist has posted, and share it via Messages, Facebook, Twitter and email. And when you comment, the artist can respond directly to you.