Apple makes product upgrades, pushes into streaming music

Apple announced a major new foray into streaming music on June 8 as it showed off a host of new software features for its iPhones, iPads and Mac computers.

The $10-a-month music service is called Apple Music and combines on-demand listening, a 24/7 radio station hosted by live DJs and a forum for artists to give fans behind-the-scenes content from upcoming releases.
     
The service, which was announced during Apple's annual software conference June 8, will be launched later this month in more than 100 countries. It comes at a time when iTunes songs and album sales are falling, while streaming music leaders like Spotify and Deezer are gaining subscribers and revenue.
     
The music service was the biggest news of the company's five-day conference, but Apple also announced a host of new upgrades and services coming later this year to the operating software for its popular iPhones, iPads and Mac computers.
     
The new features including enhancements to Siri, the company's voice-activated digital assistant, as well as Apple Pay, Apple Maps and the Apple Watch. Executives also mentioned a new streaming TV service that Apple is reportedly hoping to announce later this year.
     
Analysts say the new services and upgrades, which will be available when Apple releases free updates to its iOS and Mac OS software this fall, are part of a broader strategy to make Apple's devices indispensable.
     
While many companies make smartphones and computers, "Apple's crown jewels are its software and online services," said analyst Daniel Ives, who follows tech companies for FBR Capital Markets.
     
Some of the new features could provide new profits for the tech powerhouse. But perhaps more importantly, they may help...