

If you’re serious about your music, this will be of interest. Competitor SoundHound is similar, but has one defining advantage - it allows you to sing or hum songs and will have a good go at recognizing them. Shazam is a simple app with a simple range of services. You will require Android 4.4 and higher for optimal performance. User-generated content and help is a little thin on the ground, but it’s not surprising, as it’s just not the kind of app that needs it. The app has a basic help section, but it’s so simple that most users won’t need it. Shazam also offers codes which you can unlock with your camera, providing you with more information and features. You’ll be able to change what notifications you get when it’s working its magic, and what music apps you have connected. Other options are simple, as befits such a simple app. Shazam is insistent about running on your phone and you’ll have to take steps to prevent it from opening automatically on start-up, or sitting in your notification tray. You can also log in to Shazam, where you’ll have more options related to saving and tagging songs, but the app works fine without logging in too. The options available to you when you Shazam a song depends a little on the artist - well-known artists have more options. Once the tune has been identified, you’ll be able to share it or open in various services, such as Apple Music or Spotify. Most songs took between 3 - 6 bars to decipher. Shazam is fast to find songs, although all the test songs were relatively well-known. Left swipe, and you’ll see the LIbrary screen containing the songs you’ve “Shazam-med” in the past, Right swipe, and you’ll see the Discover screen, which offers news from artists you like, new songs, and suggested playlists. A short press will identify a song playing at that moment, and a long press will turn on AutoShazam, which monitors for songs in the background. The app has a large button in the middle of the screen. As long as the music is a recognized, published song (no humming or user versions, please!), there’s a good chance the app will have a go at telling you what it is, who sang it, and where you can find out more. This music could be from anywhere - the radio, a passing car, in a restaurant, and so on. Shazam is a simple, easy-to-use app that allows you to identify music when you hear it playing around you. This specialized app does a single job very well Discover new songs, music, and artists while you’re on the move.
