Shazam has long been a handy tool for identifying music on your iPhone or Apple Watch, but did you know that you can now use Shazam on your Mac as well? With the latest macOS Sonoma 14.2 update, Apple has seamlessly integrated Shazam’s music recognition feature into the Mac operating system. Here’s how to make the most of this new functionality.
The Evolution of Shazam in the Apple Ecosystem
For those unfamiliar with Shazam, it’s a music recognition service that can identify songs, lyrics, music albums, and even video clips. Originally a standalone app, Shazam was acquired by Apple in 2018 and its music recognition feature was integrated into the Apple ecosystem. It even found its way into Siri’s repertoire of skills.
With macOS 14.2, this integration has been extended to Mac computers, allowing Mac users to enjoy Shazam’s functionality without the need for an additional app.
How to Activate and Use Shazam on Your Mac
Previously, to use Shazam on your Mac, you had to install the dedicated macOS Shazam app or rely on Siri to identify songs. Now, with the latest update, there are two more accessible ways to use Shazam directly from your Mac’s system.
- Menu Bar Integration: The Shazam menu bar item and Control Center button enable quick activation of the music recognition feature for the currently playing song. This shortcut not only simplifies the process but also maintains a history of previously identified songs for your convenience.
- Enhanced Interaction: Shazam integration in macOS 14.2 offers various interaction options to enrich your music experience. Clicking on a recognized song’s title opens the corresponding information in Shazam’s web interface. If you prefer to add it to your Apple Music library, simply click the icon to open the song directly in the Apple Music app.
Here’s how to add Shazam to your Mac’s menu bar:
- Open System Preferences on your Mac.
- Select Control Center.
- In the Music Recognition section, activate the “Show in Menu Bar” and/or “Show in Control Center” options.
By following these straightforward steps, you’ll have instant access to Shazam from your Mac’s menu bar, streamlining the process of identifying songs and ensuring you always have a record of your musical discoveries.
With Shazam now integrated into macOS 14.2, Mac users can effortlessly identify music, lyrics, and more, making it easier than ever to dive into the world of music discovery.