Monday, January 13, 2014
Beats Music Sets Launch Date, Ties With AT&T, Target
Beats Music, the online music streaming subscription service which has been in development by Santa Monica-based Beats Electronics, is set for launch on January 21st, the company said over the weekend. According to Beats Electronics, the service will initially launch with a free trial, and will cost $9.99 a month for streaming via iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and the web. Beats had raised funding in early 2013 to spin out the new music service, which is being shaped by Jimmy Iovine, Dr. Dre, Luke Wood, Trent Reznor, and Ian Rogers. The service said it will launch with more than 20 million licensed songs.
Beats said its music service will feature curated playlists from staff and others; automated playlist suggestions; browsing functions, and more. Beats Music also said the service will launch with two major partnerships; one with AT&T, where AT&T customers will offer a $14.99 a month service which will give multi-line accounts with full access to the service under one plan, allowing up to five family members with access to the service. Beats Music has also inked a retail partnership with Target, with Taret offering up gift cards for Beats Music, promotional efforts, and a mix of music curated by Target.