Amazon Launches Free Ad Supported Music Service

Amazon Music customers in the U.S. who do not have a Prime membership or subscription to Amazon Music Unlimited can now listen to a free ad-supported selection of top playlists and stations for free with Amazon Music on compatible Alexa-enabled devices.

It is expected that Amazon's free music service will launch more broadly in the coming weeks.

While the press is calling Amazon's new music service a direct competitor to Spotify, a quick test drive showed a stronger resemblance to Pandora.

Customers now have access to play a station based on a song, artist, era, genre or curated.

To listen, say:

• "Alexa, play the playlist Pop Culture" to hear the ultimate global playlist for today's pop music.
  "Alexa, play the Imagine Dragons station" to hear a station inspired by the popular rock band.
  "Alexa, play 80s music" to hear a station filled with music from the era.
  "Alexa, play country music" to hear a station with some of the best in the genre.