Apple has released Apple Music for Android version 2.6 beta which adds Android Auto integration. Apple Music for Android has been available for some while but this new version will add Android Auto and a number of features that have been available on the iOS version for some time.
You can now search songs by lyrics, access a new Friends Mix option that creates a playlist based on your friends’ listening habits, plus new Artist Pages, which let you quickly start a station based on that artist’s music.
The full feature list in this beta is:
- Search by Lyrics – Use a few of the words to find a song
- Android Auto – Experience the best of Apple Music in your car
- New Artist Pages – Start a personalized station of any Artist’s music with one tap
- Friends Mix – Enjoy a playlist features songs your friends played that we think you’ll like
- Performance improvements for Downloads, Library loading, and content playback
- Various bug fixes
The adoption of Android Auto by Apple Music provides Android smartphone users a way to use the service with their in car entertainment system in a more interactive way than connecting via Bluetooth or a cable and will provide a similar experience to iPhone users who use Apple’s CarPlay system.
To officially get on board with the Apple Music for Android beta, you will need to join the Apple Music Google Beta test group here. Alternatively, you can download the latest version directly at the APK Mirror here. And as with all beta testing, the usual caveats of testing on test kit and making appropriate backups apply.
Recent articles of interest
Deutsche Grammophon and Apple Music launch new classical music playlist
Apple Music Review
Apple Music previews web player
Verizon offers Apple Music free for 6 months in US
Bandsintown integrates Apple Music for seamless discovery experience
TIDAL launches Amazon Fire TV App and Android Auto service
