Amazon's Live Audio App: A Clubhouse Competitor with DJ Features

Amazon's Development of a Live Audio Application

Reports indicate that Amazon is currently developing a live audio application, envisioned as a platform enabling users to curate and host their own radio-style programs, complete with music integration.

Currently referred to as Project Mic, the application is anticipated to initially target the United States market, although a definitive launch date remains unspecified.

Features and Content

According to information obtained by The Verge, creators will have access to the extensive Amazon Music library for song selection.

Programming is expected to encompass a diverse range of content, including discussions on pop culture, sports updates, and comedic performances.

Amazon is reportedly exploring collaborations with prominent celebrities and social media influencers to host dedicated shows within the platform.

Users will be able to discover shows through searches based on show title, subject matter, or musical genre.

The platform will also prioritize the promotion of live content, highlighting trending topics and featured creators.

Cross-Platform Broadcasting

The presentation materials revealed that broadcasts will not be limited to the dedicated application.

Creators will also be able to simultaneously transmit shows across Amazon Music, Twitch, Audible, and devices equipped with Alexa.

Listeners utilizing Alexa-enabled devices, including those in vehicles, will reportedly have the ability to interact with the live broadcasts.

Subscription Requirements

The report does not clarify whether access to the live audio shows will necessitate an Amazon Music subscription.

However, considering the broad availability of the content across multiple platforms, a subscription requirement appears unlikely.

Engadget has reached out to Amazon for further clarification and details regarding Project Mic.

Context and Competition

This is not the first indication of Amazon's interest in the live audio space; Axios previously reported on the project earlier this year.

However, this latest report provides a more comprehensive overview of the application’s intended functionality.

Over the past year, several platforms – including Twitter, Facebook, Spotify, and Discord – have entered the live audio arena following the initial success of Clubhouse.

These existing applications generally emphasize live conversational formats, rather than music-centric programming.

Competitive Landscape

Spotify’s morning show, The Get Up, which combines discussion with curated music, represents the closest competitor to Amazon’s envisioned offering.

Furthermore, Clubhouse has recently introduced a high-quality audio option designed to enhance livestreamed musical performances.

Editor’s note:

This article was originally published on Engadget.