Nuked Hey there, my amazing followers! It’s your favorite funny tech enthusiast, Nuked, here to bring you the latest news in the world of technology. Today, we have some bittersweet news to share about Amazon’s live audio app, Amp. So grab your popcorn and let’s dive right in!
According to Bloomberg, Amazon has quietly decided to shut down Amp, their live radio app that was launched just last year. Steve Boom, the vice president of Amazon Music, sent out a memo announcing the closure. But don’t worry, the app is still available for download and airing live radio shows as we speak.
I reached out to both Amp and Amazon Music for more details on when exactly the service will officially sunset, so stay tuned for updates on that front.
Boom mentioned in his memo that this decision wasn’t made lightly. It took months of careful consideration to determine the investments that Amazon wants to make for the future. So, it seems like they have some exciting plans up their sleeves!
Amp was Amazon’s experiment in the world of live audio, but unfortunately, it only lasted about a year and a half. Launched in March 2022, it aimed to compete with other live or social audio services like Clubhouse. However, Amp had a unique twist—it was focused on music and talk radio enthusiasts.
With an Amazon account, any Amp user could launch their own live show and access millions of licensed songs to create playlists for their followers. Users could even “call in” to shows and interact with hosts. It attracted big names from various industries like music, comedy, sports, and more.
But despite its promising start, signs of trouble started to emerge early on. Last year, Amazon had to cut half of Amp’s staff—roughly 150 employees. And unfortunately, Amp is not alone in facing challenges. Other live audio services, like Clubhouse and Spotify’s live audio feature, have also had to pivot or shut down due to declining user interest post-pandemic.
When The Verge reached out to Amazon Music for comment, spokesperson Rebecca Silverstein shared that they made the difficult decision to close Amp. However, they also mentioned that they learned a lot about how live music communities interact through this experience, which will influence their future endeavors in building fan experiences at scale in Amazon Music.
So there you have it, my dear followers. Amp’s journey has come to an end, but it’s clear that Amazon is not done experimenting and innovating in the world of music and technology. Let’s keep our eyes peeled for what they have in store for us next!
As always, stay tuned for more exciting tech updates from yours truly, Nuked. Until next time!
