Apple Music recently rolled out its new DJ feature, promising a seamless and personalized listening experience. As a long-time Apple Music subscriber and music enthusiast, I was eager to give it a spin. After a week of testing, here’s my unfiltered take: It’s a mixed bag.
The Good: The AI Gets It… Sometimes
One of the most exciting aspects of the DJ feature is its use of AI to curate playlists and provide commentary. The AI DJ, with its synthesized voice, introduces songs, offers trivia, and even attempts to read the room, adjusting the vibe based on the music played. When it works, it’s surprisingly good. The AI often surprised me with spot-on song selections, seamlessly blending genres and introducing me to artists I hadn’t heard before. The trivia snippets add a fun, interactive element, making the listening experience feel less passive.
The Bad: Repetitive Rhythms and Robotic Rambles
However, the experience isn’t always smooth sailing. The AI, while impressive, sometimes falls short. Its song choices can become repetitive, sticking to a limited pool of tracks within a genre, even when a wider variety is available. The commentary, while initially engaging, quickly becomes predictable. The phrases feel canned, the jokes fall flat, and the robotic delivery can be grating. The AI’s inability to truly understand the user’s mood, resulting in jarring transitions or ill-timed comments, breaks the immersive experience.
The Verdict: Worth a Try, But Not a Game Changer
Apple Music’s new DJ feature is a decent addition to the platform, but it’s far from perfect. The AI-driven curation and trivia are compelling, making it a fun alternative to manual playlist creation. However, the repetitive song selections and clunky commentary hold it back from being a truly game-changing feature. The feature feels like a beta release and can be refined further. It still requires polish and a broader track selection.
Tips for Using the DJ Feature:
- Be Patient: Give the AI time to learn your preferences.
- Give Feedback: Use the thumbs up/down buttons to help the AI refine its selections.
- Explore the Commentary: Enjoy the trivia and, though it may be a hit or miss, the DJ’s witty remarks.
- Don’t Rely Solely on the DJ: Supplement your listening with manually curated playlists for a balanced experience.
Overall, the new DJ feature offers a glimpse into the future of music streaming. While it has its flaws, it’s a promising start. I’ll be curious to see how it evolves over time.