iWorld
Amazon Prime Music introduces innovative Hands Free Feature to enjoy music using voice on its mobile app
MUMBAI: Amazon Prime Music further deepens its focus on innovative voice features with the introduction of Hands Free feature that enables listeners an effortless, lean-back music listening experience on their Amazon Prime Music mobile app. Starting today, Amazon Prime Music listeners can simply ask Alexa to play music wherever they go, while the app is open on any iOS and Android smartphones, without tapping the Alexa icon.
Listeners can now directly ask Alexa to play music from their favourite movie soundtracks, play music by mood, activity, era, genre, artists or create a playlist just by asking while eliminating the need to tap the Alexa icon. When the Amazon Prime Music app is open and in the foreground on any iOS and Android smartphones, customers can utilize the innovative voice features they can use on Echo devices to play music and can now simply say, “Alexa” to play, pause, repeat, move back and forth between songs and much more.
· In the middle of a run? Just ask, “Alexa, play the Dance party playlist I was listening to last week” while enjoying your workout
· In a mood to cook while listening to latest Bollywood songs? Like something and want to add to your playlist? Simply say, “Alexa, add this song to the playlist ‘My Favourite Hits’” and continue to enjoy cooking
· Busy with weights at the gym and want to start a new song to keep you motivated? Simply ask, “Alexa, play my workout playlist”. No need to interrupt your weights routine.
Commenting on the launch, Sahas Malhotra, Director, Amazon Prime Music, said, “We want to make music listening as easy and enjoyable as possible. The launch of the Hands Free feature on the Amazon Prime Music app eliminates yet another step between you and your music, giving you the freedom from tapping the Alexa icon and simply asking for your favorite music. Since its initial launch in the US in 2018, providing Hands Free listening in the app has been one of the top requests by our listeners for the music app. And, today, Amazon Prime Music is making mobile music streaming even better by enabling this new functionality in our app for our listeners. This brings the voice-forward music listening experience that customers love on Echo devices to the rich, visual mobile app interface”.
The Hands Free feature in the mobile app makes the other recently launched voice-enabled features even more delightful to use and easier to enjoy. For example, in a mood to know what music is trending in other parts of the world across cities or countries? Just ask, “Alexa, play popular songs in New York”, discover similar music to what listeners are listening to with “Alexa, play more like this” and Alexa will then select and play songs similar to that favourite track, making it easier to sit back and enjoy. That’s not all – listeners don’t ever have to search or browse for their recently played songs or music they haven’t heard in a while – all they have to do is ask, “Alexa, play recently played songs” or “Alexa, play songs I haven’t heard in a while” by artist, genre or time to truly enjoy an immersive music discovery and listening experience on Amazon Prime Music.
To get started with the Hands Free music listening with Alexa in the Amazon Prime Music app, listeners can update the app for iOS or Android today or download. Listeners can always turn the feature on or off through the Amazon Prime Music app’s settings. Learn more at:
iWorld
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
