Amazon Music Unlimited adds Dolby Atmos spatial audio at no extra cost
Sony’s 360 Reality Audio is being added, too
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Amazon Musiclisteners are getting a boost to their subscriptions, asDolby AtmosandSony’s 360 Reality Audioare launching on the streaming service across iOS and Android devices. The best part is the update comes at no extra cost to existing subscribers.
Users can experience these newspatial audiooptions with theheadphonesandearbudsthey already own, with no extra special peripherals required. If you preferwireless speakers, then you’re in luck as spatial audio has also been added toAlexa Cast-supported products like theAmazon Echo Studio.
The service will be adding and remastering music in its vast library with music from artists like Alicia Keys, Coldplay, Lil Nas X and more having been mixed in Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio for a heightened listening experience. Additionally, an upcoming Imagine Dragons EP will release exclusively onAmazonMusic Unlimited in November, which has been specially mixed in Dolby Atmos.
Analysis: a genuine advantage over the competition?
Amazon Music Unlimited has upped themusic streaming servicecompetition by offering spatial audio via iOS and Android devices, and at no extra cost at that. Its biggest competitor,Spotify, currently does not offer Dolby Atmos or other spatial audio options natively(though you never know what may come with the soon-to-be-releasedSpotify HiFi).
The next best option for Spotify users in this regard is to listen to the streaming service on aniOS 15device with a pair ofAirPods ProorAirPods Max, both of which support the feature and can spatialize any audio source.
Being able to experience spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos on any pair of headphones is also a massive bonus to customers who might not be willing to shell out for a new, expensive pair of cans. The fact that the feature is now readily available on your preferred device - and without needing pricey equipment - is a genuine advantage that Amazon Music Unlimited has over Spotify.
However,Apple Musicalso offers spatial audio options at no extra cost to subscribers, something that’s also available on both iOS and Android devices. So, while spatial audio options are certainly robust on Amazon Music Unlimited, it’s certainly not the first music streaming service to offer it.
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Rhys is TRG’s Hardware Editor, and has been part of the TechRadar team for more than two years. Particularly passionate about high-quality third-party controllers and headsets, as well as the latest and greatest in fight sticks and VR, Rhys strives to provide easy-to-read, informative coverage on gaming hardware of all kinds. As for the games themselves, Rhys is especially keen on fighting and racing games, as well as soulslikes and RPGs.
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