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

Thursday January 17, 2013 5:48 am PST by Eric Slivka
Amazon 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.
[ 103 comments ]


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FSMBP
72 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!
Rating: 13 Votes
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LagunaSol
72 months ago
Switch to AAC, Amazon, and we'll talk.

MP3 is so 1999.
Rating: 9 Votes
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bdavis89
72 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.
Rating: 8 Votes
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notjustjay
72 months ago
US only :( No help to the rest of us in other parts of the world.
Rating: 7 Votes
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STiNG Operation
72 months ago
It takes a lot to get people to switch from what they like/know. People that have been using itunes since the beginning are used to the way it's done. Take att's exclusive contract with the iPhone, most people just stayed with att even though another carrier might be better.
Rating: 5 Votes
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pmz
72 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.
Rating: 5 Votes
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samcraig
72 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.
Rating: 5 Votes
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mikefj2004
72 months ago
Amazon MP3 is better

Make no mistake about it, while iTunes still has a relatively larger library than Amazon (keyword: "relatively"), Amazon easily outpaces iTunes in terms of song/album deals. I never really understood why people buy iTunes songs/albums while the majority of time, those same songs/albums are much cheaper on Amazon. I can't begin to tell you how many times I was about to buy a $9.99 album on iTunes but checked on Amazon and the exact same album at the exact same bit rate was only $4.99. I don't know how Amazon does it nor do I care but Amazon is easily the better option of the two and now with the new rip feature and better integration into the iOS system, I'm in all the way with Amazon.
Rating: 4 Votes
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John.B
72 months ago

Love Amazon MP3. Cheaper prices and best of all they are in MP3 format and not that M4a crap.


That m4a "crap" is actually a standard used by more than just Apple, but don't let that stop your rant. :rolleyes:

FWIW, I've had issues with many of Amazon's VBR MP3 files, mostly that sometimes they have a lag between hitting play and the music starting (verified with many players and OSes). Sucks for content that should be gapless.
Rating: 4 Votes
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Karma*Police
72 months ago
It does work well, but it's still a bit of a hassle compared to browsing and buying directly from iTunes. The biggest problem I have with Amazon though is their use of MP3 instead of AAC which is noticeably inferior.
Rating: 3 Votes

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