Friday, January 31, 2014

Beats Music review: Yet another music service, and one that still needs some work

Beats is trying something new, for sure, but it's got room to improve

Beats is a name that is synonymous with hip-hop music and iconic (and expensive) audio gear (and, at one time, HTC smartphones), but not exactly with streaming music. The company showed its intention of getting into the space in 2012 when it purchased MOG Music, and finally killed that service when it launched its self-branded Beats Music streaming offering.

On the surface, Beats Music checks all the boxes — unlimited streaming music for a flat monthly fee, a seven-day free trial for signing up, and a compliment of mobile apps and web interface. It also brings to the table something other streaming music services don't — a group of knowledgeable and popular curators to help you choose what to listen to. And that's Beats' main selling point — a human element instead of algorithms.

But with lots of features to market and a competition-matching price, will Beats Music be your choice for listening going forward? Hit the break and find out.