Amazon Optimizes MP3 Store for Mobile Safari to Attract iOS Device Users

amazonmp3 iphone optimizedAmazon today announced that it has optimized its MP3 music store for Safari on iOS devices, marking yet another step in the company's effort to eat into the iTunes Store's dominant position in the digital music market.

“Since the launch of the Amazon Cloud Player app for iPhone and iPod touch, a top request from customers has been the ability to buy music from Amazon right from their devices. For the first time ever, iOS users have a way do that – now they can access Amazon’s huge catalog of music, features like personalized recommendations, deals like albums for $5, songs for $0.69, and they can buy their music once and use it everywhere,” said Steve Boom, Vice President of Amazon Music.

Features of the Amazon MP3 store on the mobile web browser include:

- The Amazon MP3 mobile website for iPhone and iPod touches is built on HTML5, which means customers can make purchases directly from the Amazon MP3 mobile website at www.amazon.com/mp3 on their iPhones and iPod touches
- Selection of over 22 million songs and over two million albums at everyday low prices
- Access to everyday deals like $5 albums, $0.69 songs, and free songs from artists on the rise
- Individualized recommendations based on purchase history
- Immediate availability and seamless playback of purchases in the Amazon Cloud Player app
- Free storage of all Amazon MP3 purchases in Amazon Cloud Player

Amazon's move to optimize its MP3 store for iOS devices comes over five years after the store debuted, but seems to be part of a renewed effort by Amazon to challenge the iTunes Store. The company has invested significantly in its Cloud Player services as a competitor to iTunes Match, and Amazon has just launched its new AutoRip feature to provide free digital versions of tracks purchased on CD, including for many orders dating as far back as 1998.

Top Rated Comments

FSMBP Avatar
146 months ago
I wish Apple would allow downloading MP3s from websites/apps to integrate into iOS's Music app.

I buy music from Amazon all the time and I can't put it into my Music app without using my Mac. How can I use an iPad as a computer replacement if it can't even do that!
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LagunaSol Avatar
146 months ago
Switch to AAC, Amazon, and we'll talk.

MP3 is so 1999.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bdavis89 Avatar
146 months ago
Amazon often has better prices and deal compared to iTunes (in my experience). It works seamlessly as well. You just buy, download, and there is an option to automatically add the music to iTunes. If you buy on your phone, you can just use the Amazon mp3 app to play your purchased music. Saves money and isn't a huge hassle. Its a win in my book.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
notjustjay Avatar
146 months ago
US only :( No help to the rest of us in other parts of the world.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
pmz Avatar
146 months ago
Given that MP3 is usable in far more devices, I'm not sure they would switch. Perhaps offer a choice.

Based on what selection of devices? Actually look into it and you'll find out you're utterly wrong.

It's been 10 years of AAC. Its everywhere.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
samcraig Avatar
146 months ago
Switch to AAC, Amazon, and we'll talk.

MP3 is so 1999.

Given that MP3 is usable in far more devices, I'm not sure they would switch. Perhaps offer a choice.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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