Shazam launches major updates to iPhone app, now 20m users

Music identification app Shazam has announced big feature updates to its iPhone and iPod touch music discovery apps. There are now customised settings for ‘tagging on start-up’ make the process of identifying a music track faster, a new UI, the ability to search for ringtones and videos on iTunes and better video. You can also share tunes you find via Facebook and Twitter. Shame it doesn’t own its name on Twitter then.

There’s also a new annual pricing option for its premium offering. The app also supports multitasking on the iPhone 4 so you can leave the Shazam App and use another function, such as to take a call or go and buy the music you’ve identified.

The new features are applicable to all Shazam versions for the iPhone and iPod touch – Shazam Encore, Shazam (Product) RED and the Shazam free App.

Users can watch videos on YouTube without leaving the App and access song lyrics in 9 countries.

Greater access to discovery via Shazam Tag Charts, detailing the most popular new music in more than 20 countries, as tagged by Shazam users.

Andrew Fisher, CEO of Shazam, says there are now 20 million users of Shazam on the iPhone and iPod touch.

Also, starting today, users will be able to upgrade to Shazam Encore from within the App. The premium version costs an annual fee of $2.99 (launch offer) or choose lifetime at $4.99. Alternatively they can stay with the free version offering five tags a month.