Companies sometimes make decisions in the boardroom that, while well-intentioned, are met with skepticism by consumers. One such decision is Samsung's recent announcement that select Galaxy phones and tablets will now come with the Amazon Music app pre-installed.
However, this bloatware does offer a perk: a free three-month subscription. This subscription grants access to all songs and podcasts on the platform, along with one free audiobook from Audible each month.
Normally, Amazon Music Unlimited costs $13 per month, and typically only includes a one-month trial. This subscription also provides access to Audible, which itself costs $9 monthly after the one-month trial period.
Amazon Music Unlimited boasts over 100 million songs, many of which are available in Ultra HD and Spatial Audio formats. Users can enjoy live streams from artists, browse merchandise, and access millions of podcasts.
The Amazon Music app
This offer represents good value, accessible even to users who do not purchase a new Galaxy device. Downloading the app from the Galaxy Store will also grant the free three-month trial, but it is crucial to use the Galaxy Store rather than Google Play.
This announcement signifies that Amazon Music is now available on the Galaxy Store, a feature that was previously non-existent. However, many are puzzled as to why this is a significant update, given the app's long-standing availability on the Play Store.
Despite the good value, there is a degree of frustration regarding Samsung's decision to pre-install the app. It would have been preferable for users to download Amazon Music themselves and activate the free trial as they choose. The presence of an unwanted app can be bothersome.
Interestingly, Samsung US is the only branch to announce this, while the press release mentions that the app will be pre-installed on “millions of select Samsung mobile and tablet devices globally,” leaving uncertainty about whether this initiative is confined to the United States or part of a broader rollout.
Executive statements about this promotion are as follows:
“We are constantly finding new ways to deliver special benefits and value for our Galaxy users. Through our collaboration with Amazon Music, Samsung continues to elevate premium experiences across the Galaxy experience,” stated Izzet Asayas, Head of CTV & Mobile Business Development.
“By pre-installing Amazon Music on select Galaxy devices and making it available in the Galaxy Store, we’re putting world-class audio entertainment in customers’ hands from the very first moment — with a free Amazon Music Unlimited trial to make that first experience truly exceptional,” commented Karolina Joynathsing, Director of Business Development for Amazon Music.
