Photo: Amazon
Amazon has just quietly launched its own streaming service, in an attempt to rival Spotify, Google and Beats.
Amazon had not previously confirmed any details, or a release date for the service, which is called 'Prime Music', but it went live today (12 June).
The service is available for Amazon Prime customers, who pay £79 a year, and is also being offered free for 30 days to non-Prime customers.
Prime users are also eligible to cheaper, faster delivery, as well as access to Prime Instant, which features around 15,000 films and TV shows.
The service is of no extra cost to Prime customers, and won't have advertising - but there is a catch. The service will reportedly not include most new releases, as well as the catalogue of Universal Music.
According to anonymous sources, Amazon managed to secure deals with Sony and Warner Music, but Universal, whose artists include Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Kanye West, could not reach an agreement with Amazon.
The company has apparently set aside $25 million to fund big labels, and $5 milion for smaller ones.
