The world of music streaming has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with numerous players vying for a share of the market. Samsung, the South Korean tech giant, also threw its hat into the ring with Samsung Music, a music streaming service exclusive to its devices. However, rumors have been circulating that Samsung Music has been discontinued, leaving fans and users wondering about the fate of this service. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Samsung Music, its features, and whether it’s indeed been discontinued.
A Brief History of Samsung Music
Samsung Music was launched in 2016 as a replacement for Milk Music, a music streaming service that Samsung had introduced a year earlier. The new service was designed to provide a more comprehensive music experience to Samsung device users, offering a vast library of songs, playlists, and radio stations. Initially, Samsung Music was available only in the United States, but it later expanded to other countries, including Canada, Mexico, and several European nations.
Features and Functionality
Samsung Music boasted an impressive array of features, making it a compelling option for music enthusiasts. Some of its key features included:
- A vast library of over 20 million tracks, including popular and indie artists
- Personalized recommendations based on users’ listening habits and preferences
- User-generated playlists and radio stations
- Support for Android Wear devices, allowing users to control their music playback from their wrists
- Integration with Samsung’s virtual assistant, Bixby, for voice-controlled music playback
- Offline playback, enabling users to listen to music even without an internet connection
The Rise of Competition and the Demise of Samsung Music
Despite its robust features, Samsung Music struggled to gain significant traction in the music streaming market. The competition was fierce, with established players like Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal vying for dominance. Additionally, newer entrants like Amazon Music and YouTube Music further fragmented the market, making it increasingly difficult for Samsung Music to stand out.
The Shift in Samsung’s Strategy
In recent years, Samsung has been focusing on other areas of its business, such as its smartphone and TV divisions. The company has been investing heavily in these segments, and as a result, its music streaming service seems to have taken a backseat. In 2020, Samsung announced that it would be discontinuing Samsung Music in several countries, citing a desire to “focus on other areas of its business.”
The Impact on Users
The discontinuation of Samsung Music has left many users feeling disappointed and uncertain about their music streaming options. While Samsung has recommended alternative music services like Spotify and Deezer, the transition hasn’t been seamless for everyone. Some users have expressed frustration about having to start over with a new service, losing their playlists and listening history in the process.
So, Is Samsung Music Really Discontinued?
The short answer is yes, Samsung Music has been discontinued in most countries. However, there are some exceptions and nuances to this statement. While Samsung has indeed shut down its music streaming service in many regions, it still maintains a presence in South Korea, where it remains a popular option for music enthusiasts.
Moreover, Samsung has partnered with other music streaming services like Spotify and Tidal to offer exclusive promotions and benefits to its device users. For instance, Samsung smartphone owners can enjoy a free six-month trial of Spotify Premium, making it an attractive option for those who want to experience ad-free music streaming.
The Future of Music Streaming on Samsung Devices
So, what does the future hold for music streaming on Samsung devices? While Samsung Music may be gone, the company is still committed to providing its users with a seamless music experience. Samsung has been working closely with leading music streaming services to ensure that their apps are optimized for its devices, offering users a range of options to choose from.
In addition, Samsung has been exploring new ways to integrate music into its ecosystem, such as its recent partnership with Amazon Music. This partnership enables Amazon Music users to access their music libraries on Samsung TVs, further blurring the lines between music streaming and smart TV capabilities.
What This Means for Users
For Samsung device users, the discontinuation of Samsung Music means they’ll need to explore alternative music streaming services. While this may require some effort, the silver lining is that users now have a wider range of options to choose from, each with its unique features and strengths.
In conclusion, while Samsung Music may be discontinued, the company’s commitment to providing a great music experience remains unwavering. As the music streaming landscape continues to evolve, Samsung will likely adapt and innovate, ensuring that its users have access to the best music streaming options available.
| Region | Status of Samsung Music |
|---|---|
| South Korea | Active |
| United States | Discontinued |
| Canada | Discontinued |
| Europe | Discontinued in most countries |
Note: The table above provides a general overview of the status of Samsung Music in different regions. Please check with Samsung’s official website or local authorities for the most up-to-date information.
Is Samsung Music being discontinued?
Samsung Music is not entirely discontinued, but it has undergone significant changes. In 2020, Samsung announced that it would be discontinuing the Samsung Music app on older devices, specifically those running Android 9.0 Pie or earlier. This means that users with newer devices or those who have updated their operating systems can still access and use Samsung Music.
However, Samsung has also shifted its focus towards its partnership with Spotify, making it the default music streaming service on many Samsung devices. This has led to confusion among users, who are unsure if Samsung Music is still supported or available. While it’s not discontinued entirely, its availability is limited, and its features have been merged with Spotify.
What happens to my music library on Samsung Music?
If you’ve been using Samsung Music to manage your music library, you might be worried about what will happen to your files. Rest assured that your music library will remain intact, and you’ll still be able to access your songs and playlists. However, you might notice some changes to the app’s interface and features, as Samsung has integrated Spotify’s services into the app.
You can still access your music library on newer devices or those with updated operating systems. However, it’s essential to note that Samsung Music might not be available on older devices, and you might need to switch to a different music streaming service or app to access your library.
Can I still use Samsung Music on older devices?
Unfortunately, Samsung Music is no longer available on older devices running Android 9.0 Pie or earlier. This means that if you’re using an older device, you won’t be able to access Samsung Music or its features. You might need to consider switching to a different music streaming service or app that is compatible with your device.
However, if you’ve been using Samsung Music on an older device before the discontinuation, you might still be able to access your music library, but the app won’t receive updates or support. It’s recommended to back up your music library and consider switching to a different service to ensure continued access to your music files.
What are the alternatives to Samsung Music?
There are several alternatives to Samsung Music, depending on your music streaming needs. One popular option is Spotify, which is now the default music streaming service on many Samsung devices. You can also consider other services like Apple Music, Google Play Music, or Amazon Music. Each service has its unique features, pricing, and music libraries, so it’s essential to explore and find the one that suits you best.
If you’re looking for a more traditional music player, you can consider apps like VLC, Poweramp, or AIMP. These apps allow you to play and manage your local music files, often with more features and customization options than Samsung Music.
Will Samsung Music be supported in the future?
Samsung has not announced any plans to discontinue Samsung Music entirely, but its focus has shifted towards its partnership with Spotify. This means that Samsung Music might not receive significant updates or new features in the future. However, the app will likely continue to receive bug fixes and security patches to ensure its stability.
It’s essential to note that Samsung Music’s features have been merged with Spotify’s services, and the app now acts as a hub for Spotify on Samsung devices. This means that Samsung Music will likely continue to exist as a modified version of the Spotify app, rather than a standalone music streaming service.
Can I transfer my music library to Spotify?
Yes, you can transfer your music library from Samsung Music to Spotify. In fact, Samsung has made it easy to migrate your library to Spotify with a few simple steps. When you open Samsung Music, you’ll be prompted to transfer your library to Spotify. This process will move your songs, playlists, and preferences to Spotify, ensuring a seamless transition.
Once you’ve transferred your library, you’ll be able to access your music files, playlists, and preferences on Spotify. You can then use Spotify’s features, such as Discover Weekly and Release Radar, to enhance your music experience. Note that you’ll need a Spotify account to transfer your library, and you might need to subscribe to Spotify’s premium service to access certain features.
What does the future hold for Samsung Music?
The future of Samsung Music is uncertain, but it’s likely that the app will continue to exist in some form as a modified version of the Spotify app. Samsung’s partnership with Spotify has brought significant changes to the Samsung Music app, and it’s possible that the app will be phased out entirely in the future.
However, Samsung has not announced any plans to discontinue Samsung Music entirely, and the app will likely continue to receive updates and bug fixes to ensure its stability. In the meantime, users can explore alternative music streaming services or apps that better suit their needs. As the music streaming landscape continues to evolve, it’s essential to stay flexible and adapt to changes in the industry.