In order to compete in a crowded music streaming market, Apple had to make an Android app for its latest music service and while it's clean and functional just like the iOS app, it doesn't do much to fix some of the key issues it had at launch four months ago.
For Apple Music to succeed, the company knows it needs to be everywhere, not just on the iPhone. So by making its first real venture into the Android marketplace, the company is signaling that it's serious about capturing new audiences, even if it can't convert current music service subscribers.
The fact is there's just too much jam packed into one interface. Apple has created too many tabs to navigate the app's different features, which should be more integrated.
Swipe to the left and users are greeted with the new Android sidebar, which looks very similar to Play Music and other native Google apps. The list of simple but some how confusing categories include for you, new, radio, connect, playlist and my music.
Just like with the iOS app, it seems like the categories are a little forced and try too hard to separate what Apple is suggesting you listen to and what's already in your collection.
But the biggest problem remains - there's no dedicated Beats 1 app.
It's the Apple Music's biggest and most popular feature, both because it doesn't require a subscription to listen and also because the music Zane Lowe and his crew play is really good. Apple likely keeps it in the app to convince users to buy a subscription, which makes the music listening experience that much more convenient.
But surely there are plenty of Android and iOS users who appreciate Beats Radio and would prefer not to flip through several menu screens to get there.
Watch a first look video of the new app.
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