Sony CEO Doug Morris confirmed what many music lovers have been waiting months for. At the World Wide Developers Conference, Apple is expected to announce their streaming music service tomorrow.
Some may ask, “Why didn’t the announcement come from an Apple exec or spokesperson?” In actuality, Sony‘s backing is critical to the existence of this streaming service. Morris talked about the coming event at an event in Cannes, France that celebrated Morris’ fruitful, successful career. Part of that includes a long alliance with Jimmy Lovine, who runs Apple music service. Lovine lead the purchase of Beats from hip-hop legend Dr. Dre for $3 billion. Morris praised Lovine for this move. Apple streaming service is expected to cost $9.99 a month and it’s expected to help DJ’s bring consumers new music and new artists. While Morris didn’t confirm the cost, he prefers paid streaming services than ad sponsored services. He hopes Apple’s music service is the’ tipping point’ that will accelerate the streaming revolution. He said, “A rising tide will lift all boats…It’s the beginning of an amazing moment in our industry.” Is he right?
This is coming at a time when the music streaming industry is becoming very competitive. Recently, hip-hop mogul Shawn ‘Jay Z‘ Carter purchased Tidal and with the help of music heavyweights like Madonna, is turning it into his own streaming service. But Tidal’s streaming services, well, their premium services, will run you $19.99 a month. But are Apple and Tidal aware of what they’re asking consumers to do? In fact, during Doug Morris’ interview, I didn’t hear one thing about how this was going to benefit the most important person in this transaction, the customer. Both these and other streaming services should do a better job convincing regular folks why they should part with $10-$20 a month when they can get the same service for free through an ad sponsored company. What will it take to convince you?