Amazon is rolling out a new feature for Alexa today called Song ID, which allows the virtual assistant to announce the name and artist of whatever songs you’re playing before they play. This basically turns Alexa into the digital embodiment of that opening act that has to tell audiences what their songs are called because no one has ever heard of them before (via VentureBeat).
While this sounds like it would be more annoying than useful, Amazon is apparently adding it to help users discover new music. Presumably, the company has data that shows that people ask Alexa what song is playing a lot, hence the new feature. Addiitonally, Song ID is exclusive to Amazon Music, so users listening to other services on their Echo devices won’t have the option (for better or for worse.)
Thankfully, Song ID is optional. Users can turn it on or off by asking Alexa to “Turn on Song ID” or “Turn off Song ID,” so you won’t be stuck with it if you’d rather just listen to your music uninterrupted.
Anyway, here’s “Wonderwall” by Oasis.
Update March 6th, 11:25am: Added that Song ID is exclusive to Amazon Music.