Spotify isn't the only one getting to grips with AI-powered playlists; on Tuesday, Amazon announced it would do the same. Amazon Music is now testing Maestro, an AI-powered playlist builder, allowing US customers on both iOS and Android to create playlists using spoken or written prompts, which can even contain emojis.
Amazon suggests that in addition to emojis, customers can type prompts that include activities, sounds, or emotions. They can also choose from quick suggestions at the bottom of the screen if they don't know what to type. Seconds later, an AI-generated playlist will appear with songs that – in theory – will match your input.
The product is launching in beta, so Amazon warns that the technology behind Maestro “won't always hit the mark the first time.” As with Spotify, it has also added some guardrails to the experience to proactively prevent offensive language and other inappropriate prompts, she says. (We believe people will try to break through these barriers in time!)
Image credits: Amazon
The Maestro is not yet widely available. While Spotify's AI generator begins testing in the UK and Australia, Amazon's product is launching to a “subset” of free Amazon Music users, as well as Prime customers and unlimited Amazon Music subscribers on iOS and Android in the US at the moment. .
However, subscribers will have access to more functionality. For example, they'll be able to listen to playlists instantly and save them for later, but Prime members and ad-supported users will only be able to listen to 30-second previews of songs before saving them. This will likely prompt more users to upgrade to the paid subscription if they like the AI functionality. The move also follows the general trend of making premium AI experiences a paid offering.
Image credits: Amazon
To access Maestro, users will need the latest version of the Amazon Music mobile app and will tap the Maestro option on their home screen. They may also see the option when they tap the plus sign to create a new playlist. From there, users can either speak or write a directed idea for their playlist, then click “Let's Go!” To start broadcasting. The playlist can also be saved and shared with friends.
Amazon suggests playlists like “😭 and eat 🍝,” “Make 👶 genius,” “Hip-hop in the age of MySpace,” “🏜️🌵🤠,” “Music my grandparents made,” “🎤🚿🧼,” and “Me.” “I followed my friends and they were all hanging out without me,” to give you an idea of how ridiculous the claims of this new experience are.
The company did not say when the trial version will be rolled out more widely, but it will expand to include more customers over time.
