In the realm of music streaming, Amazon Music is stepping up with a new AI-powered search function called “Explore.” This functionality, which was announced on Tuesday, is now available to a limited number of U.S.-based Amazon Music Unlimited customers on iOS. It’s intended to give fans a more in-depth, engaging approach to discover new artists and learn more about their favorite ones.

This ‘Explore’ feature is what?

Fundamentally, Explore is an intelligent, artificial intelligence-powered application that turns conventional music search into a rich exploration process. To explore AI-curated insights, users can select the “Explore” tab after tapping the “Find” button and entering the name of an artist.

This includes:

  • Key artist collaborations
  • Suggested similar artists
  • Highlights from their discography
  • deeper background, such as poignant topics or significant professional moments

A search for Jelly Roll, for instance, might bring up his duet “Save Me” with Lainey Wilson, whilst a search for BLACKPINK might bring up noteworthy group collaborations or individual endeavors by group members.

Playlists Created by AI and Integration with Amazon Maestro

In addition to the discovery tools, Explore lets users make playlists that are AI-generated and customized to the musical themes or style of the artist they are searching for. This builds on Amazon’s Maestro, which was originally introduced as the company’s response to Spotify’s AI DJ. Maestro’s integration with Explore is a calculated step to improve user interaction and highlight Amazon’s AI’s capacity for customisation.

Why Now? Subscription Push and Strategic Timing

The launch of Explore comes just after Amazon raised the cost of its Music Unlimited service from $1 to $11. Amazon is probably trying to justify the extra expense and draw in or keep more premium consumers with better value by launching a cutting-edge tool like Explore.

For now, only a limited beta rollout

Only iOS users may currently use the Explore function, which covers about 10,000 artists, including well-known acts like BLACKPINK and Bad Bunny. Amazon does, however, hint that this figure will increase over time, recommending a staggered implementation contingent on customer input and technological advancement.

It’s Safer to Use AI for Discovery Rather Than Creation

Explore concentrates on non-controversial AI use, providing context and recommendations rather than producing music, in contrast to contentious generative AI tools like Suno, which Amazon’s parent firm debuted with Alexa+ earlier this year. Artists and record companies, who are growing more concerned about AI’s influence on music production, are probably going to embrace this approach more. Amazon Music is clearly aiming to improve user interaction with music content with Explore. In addition to enhancing the user experience, Amazon is creating a more intelligent and user-friendly streaming platform by combining AI technology with artist discovery. Features like this could become crucial differentiators if the streaming market becomes more competitive.