As expected, Apple today launched its new music streaming service, Apple Music. It has taken Apple almost a year to bring the service to market after it acquired Beats Electronics for $3 billion last year.

Slated to launch in 100 countries in iOS 8.4 by the end of June, Apple Music will cost $9.99 per month, starting with a three-month trial. Apple Music will offer a “family” tier for $14.99 for up to six family members, each with their own library, playlists and recommendations.

Most notably, Apple will launch both an Android and Windows version of Apple Music this fall.

Apple Music essentially has three components: a 24/7 radio station, Beats One; My Music, a music service; and Connect, a social element connecting fans and artists.

Beats One – Internet radio

Beats One, Apple Music’s 24/7 radio station will be anchored by famous DJs, including former BBC Radio One DJ Zane Lowe, and broadcast live from New York, Los Angeles and London.

Beats One will feature music, interviews, guest hosts, news and culture.

My Music – music streaming

Apple Music’s streaming component works similarly to Beats Music but has a new user interface to match the Apple ecosystem and design language.

Users have the ability to search and stream “millions of songs” on iTunes — all curated by experts — and watch tens of thousands of music videos with no ads.

Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, showed off some of Apple Music’s Siri search functionality.

Using Siri, a user can simply say, “Play born to run” or “Play top 10 songs in Alternative” and Apple Music will play the relevant track or playlist.

Cue gives another example: If you like a track from a movie but cannot remember what it is called, simply say, “Play the song from Selma,” and Apple Music will find and play the title track.

Connect – social platform for artists and fans

Aimed at connecting artists and fans, Connect lets artists share and showcase studio sessions, photos, videos, early lyrics and more with fans.

Cue wrapped up by calling Apple Music “a revolutionary music service with recommendations just for you.”

Image via apple.com