Mobile music discovery provider Shazam has strengthened ties with Apple’s App Store by updating its services for iPhone and iPod touch owners. With 20 million existing users of its Apple apps, Shazam is looking to make the most of the new iPhone 4 features and iOS4 operating system.  Updates to the company’s apps – which allow users to identify songs by holding their mobile phone up to a speaker – include customised settings such as ‘tagging on start-up’ (to speed up music identification); a new, “intuitive” design; an improved video experience; and the ability to search for ringtones and videos on iTunes with one tap. Support for the multitasking feature on iOS4 also allows a user to leave the Shazam App and use another function, such as to take a call or purchase music on iTunes, and return anytime where they left off. In addition, the company has introduced a new annual pricing option for its premium offering, Shazam Encore. Users of Shazam’s free app will be able to upgrade to Shazam Encore from within the app. Users can choose to buy the premium version for an annual fee of US$2.99 (launch offer) or choose lifetime at US$4.99.

Since launch eight years ago Shazam has been used by over 75 million people and is now available on Google’s Android Market, Apple’s App Store, BlackBerry App World, Nokia’s Ovi Store and Microsoft’s Windows Marketplace for Mobile, as well as across Symbian, Brew and Java platforms. Shazam is believed to be profitable after raising around US$20 million, generating revenue through several methods, including taking a cut on advertising revenue, earning a fee when customers buy a song using the application and by people paying to subscribe to a premium service.