Amazon’s Project Mic app will reinvent live radio for the digital age
Podcasts and audio shows are currently booming around the world, and corporate giant Amazon is getting in on the action with a brand-new app with the codename Project Mic.
The news was first reported byThe Verge, which describes Project Mic as a new way to reinvent live radio, providing users with the ability to distribute their own live shows. Music will be pulled from Amazon’s own catalogue. Here’s what we know so far.
When and where will Project Mic launch?
Project Mic is still in the development phase, and is currently set to focus on a US release first. However, knowing Amazon there will be a global expansion on the horizon.
No firm release date or rollout has yet been confirmed. Project Mic is also the working codename, so we’ll likely hear more about the app’s official title in the near future.
What shows and content will Project Mic feature?
Project Mic will be split into four separate content areas: music, pop culture, comedy, and sports. The homepage itself will focus on live, trending and featured content (similar to Twitch), with the ability to search for shows by their name, genre or music.
Amazon is said to be looking into launching the app with a whole library of existing content, with shows featuring both celebrities and smaller creators.Axiosalso reported that Amazon is currently working alongside record labels to help host live events with musicians on Project Mic.
How can listeners tune in to Project Mic?
Users can listen to shows via the Project Mic app, as well as onAudible,Amazon Music,Twitchand devices with Alexa, with compatibility for voice support for listeners.
In addition, Amazon is working on optimising the app for use within cars – one of the most popular places for radio listeners. The actual technicalities of this are currently under wraps.
Whilst Project Mic will be digital, there aren’t any details yet on whether content will be localised, as with FM radio stations. There are also questions surrounding interactivity with users – will listeners be able to call in, for example?
Of course, Amazon isn’t the only company to be getting in on the audio game. Spotify launched a Bluetooth device calledCar Thing, with a mix of talk shows, news, entertainment and music.The Vergealso reported that YouTube has hired someone to lead on a new podcasting project.
Whilst you wait for Project Mic to launch, you can check out our picks of thebest music streaming servicesavailable right now, and ourlowdown on Spotify plans.
Author: Hannah Cowton-Barnes, Entertainment Editor, Tech Advisor
As Tech Advisor’s Entertainment Editor, Hannah is the resident expert in all things streaming, film and TV. Before joining Tech Advisor in 2019, she studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Leeds and created a website dedicated to geek culture and lifestyle. She’s also reviewed a whole range of gadgets including flagship smartphones, wearables and styling tools. Outside of Foundry, she’s written freelance pieces for Polygon, Metro and Den of Geek, and is proud to be a Women Techmakers Ambassador for Google.
