Shazam has moved to a "freemium" model, which basically means that Android users will have a choice between a more feature rich version called Shazam Encore, or can use the limited free version instead. This is what they have done on other platforms, so it comes as no big surprise. Shazam Encore will include goodies like unlimited tagging, song lyrics, ticket information, and a hook into Pandora so stations can be created based on your tagged music. New users of the free application will be able to upgrade to Encore, or have 5 tags a month for free. Put the tar and feathers away, they also note that "existing Shazam users on Android will be grandfathered and not required to pay for the upgrade to Encore in order to retain unlimited tagging. " Crisis averted.
Looks like, if you're currently using Shazam and are happy with it, nothing need be done. If you would enjoy some of the premium features, you can upgrade to Shazam Encore for 2.99 GBP (about $4.99 US). The full press release follows the break.
Shazam Encore launches on Android Market
Android users worldwide offered enhanced music experience through Shazam’s
premium and free apps
LONDON, UK – July 15TH 2010 – Android™ users in search of the best music discovery experience on their phones need look no further. Shazam®, the world’s leading mobile music discovery provider, today announced two new versions of its application on the Android platform, providing users with more choice than ever through a free and premium service. Packed with additional features, including song lyrics, tour information and YouTube videos for tagged artists, the latest versions of the Shazam app are set to create an even richer music journey experience for Android users.
“Music discovery is, and always will be, at the heart of Shazam. Consumers want to find as much information about a song or artist as possible and they want it fast,” said Andrew Fisher, CEO of Shazam. “Whether they now opt for our freemium or paid-for service, that is exactly what our Android customers can rely on from us – a fast and easy way to discover, buy and share music in more ways than ever before.”
Shazam Encore
For the first time, Shazam’s premium app – Shazam Encore – will be available to download on Android Market™. Available at $4.99*, €3.99* and £2.99, Shazam Encore not only offers unlimited tagging but also unlimited Recommendations – further enhancing a user’s music collection by introducing them to other music similar to the track that’s been tagged. Shazam users in the US can also directly access Pandora through Shazam Encore to listen to a station from their Tags.
Shazam Freemium
From today, Android users opting to download the Shazam free version will receive a seven day premium trial, followed by the option to upgrade to Shazam Encore or have five tags a month thereafter**.
Local chart information to discover popular artists in specific regions will be available in both versions of the Shazam app. All users will also have access to the Shazam blog and receive tag result editorial including lyrics, artist biography, discography and track reviews.
Shazamers that like to share their music moments with their friends can post their tag result through Facebook, Twitter, SMS and email. They can also browse videos and find out when their favourite artist is playing a gig nearby.
Fisher continues: “As the market leader in mobile music recognition we are continuously innovating and improving the experience for our customers. Our latest offering on Android Market is testament to our commitment to bring the most compelling applications to market and provide our customers with a unique music journey”
Shazam applications are live in all Android Market territories across the world; specifically Encore is available in the 13 countries where Android Market supports billing. Shazam also supports a variety of local language versions including English (UK), French, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Polish, Czech, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese and Chinese (Traditional). Shazam and Shazam Encore are available directly from the Android Market store www.android.com/market.
*pricing guide. Final cost is subject to local currency exchange rates and credit card billing. For example, as of 14/07/2010 Shazam Encore is approximately $4.68 and €3.70 (source: Bloomberg exchange rates and assuming 3% credit card billing).
**Any existing Shazam users (up to 13/07/10), who upgrade to version 2.0 of the Shazam app will be able to enjoy all the new features, without tagging limitations.
About Shazam Entertainment
Shazam® is the world’s leading mobile discovery application - enabling consumers to experience and share music with others across mobile devices and the Internet. Since its launch as the first mobile-specific service to help users discover new music eight years ago, over 75 million people have used the service. Shazam has created a new way for users to connect to each other through their music tastes and preferences.
Headquartered in London, England, Shazam’s solutions enhance the music strategies of carriers in more than 200 countries, including AT&T, T-Mobile and Vodafone. It has deployed across multiple platforms such as iPhone, Android, Symbian, Brew, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile and Java.
The Shazam Tag Chart, generated by the company’s mobile music recognition service, is constantly referenced by the music industry as a true indicator of market interest in pre-release material and a monitor of the hit potential of a track or artist.
Shazam’s successes have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Mobile Entertainment Award for Best Music Service Provider, the Red Herring 100 Europe Winners and the Meffys for Best Music Service 2010. Since launch Shazam has also attracted funding from Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers, Acacia Capital and DN Capital.
For more information please visit www.shazam.com
The Shazam name and symbol are trademarks of Shazam Entertainment Limited.
Android and Android Market are trademarks of Google, Inc.
Jennifer Fugel
GK Communications
O: 845-657-4202
M: 845-300-0633
