There are many new and updated features headed to the iPhone/iPod touch and iPad this fall with iOS 6. Most of the attention on Apple’s latest mobile OS release has focused on the new
Maps app, the
introduction of Passbook, and of course, on the demise of the native YouTube app.
However, my favorite new feature is much more harmonious.
In iOS 6, the native Music app now includes a “complete my album” feature. With this addition, customers are now able to preview and download songs that are missing from an album. This improvement is a carryover from iTunes for Mac or PC. In my opinion, though, it works much better on iOS devices.
Complete my album
Like many, I have thousands of songs in iTunes. However, many of these were purchased per song, and not as part of an album.
For example, in July 2009, I purchased one song from the O.A.R. album, All Sides (Deluxe Version), “Shattered (Turn the Car Around)."
The actual album includes 14 additional songs plus a video, entitled “Shattered.” Before “complete my album” was added to iOS, I would have never gotten around to purchasing additional songs from this album since I rarely use iTunes on my Mac anymore.
However, on my iPhone, the feature feels much more personal. So, as I listened to “Shattered” the other day, I realized just how much I enjoyed O.A.R.’s sound. Hence, I purchased the album’s additional content on my iPhone.
Sure, this was a snap purchase and one that I honestly didn’t need to make. However, because Apple made it so easy to do, I made the purchase anyway.
Naturally, from a business standpoint, “complete my album” on an iOS device makes sense. But the feature isn’t all about Apple making more money. In fact, I have found myself using it more often in another way.
With the Music app’s “complete my album” feature, you can also see songs from a collection that were purchased but aren’t installed on the iPhone or iPad. Again, Apple makes it easy to download those songs on an iOS device, and hence, I’ve done this many times “on the fly.”
The details
In iOS 6 beta 4, the new “complete my album” feature doesn’t work with every album. I’m not sure if this is a licensing issue or simply a prerelease bug. Additionally, it won’t work with albums you’ve burned and then added to iTunes.
Still, the feature does work whether you are syncing songs from iTunes or are using iTunes Match. Finally, some songs in an album include a “download” link that isn’t enabled. Again, I’m pretty sure this is a bug that Apple will soon correct.
“Complete my album” is a fabulous new feature and one that I’m convinced will fast become popular with the public. Not only does it make it easier for iTunes users to find songs they might enjoy based on past experiences, but it also helps you find songs you’ve forgotten about. Besides, it will provide Apple with an additional revenue stream too. In other words, it is a win-win for everyone involved. Its inclusion makes that native
Music app fun again!
