Listen Up! The best ways to consume your media!

There are so many ways to consume your media these days, including Music, Podcasts and Audiobooks. These methods have come a long way, and now, you can practically listen to whatever, whenever, wherever.

For music, there is an excellent range of free music available from YouTube. They have a seemingly unlimited collection of music (including the music videos) and arranged by many composers, as well as different choirs, soloists and keys. My Grandpop had no greater pleasure than spending hours on YouTube listening to the sweet music from his youth, and discovering new music from composers he could only dream of hearing. You don’t even need an account for YouTube – just simply search for it in Google. If you want to save videos/ create playlists, you can log in with your Gmail account. You can search for artists, composers and pieces. Search for Gabriel Faure's Requiem Op. 48 and you will not be disappointed – or even ABBA!

Another way to consume music is through music streaming services including Apple Music and Spotify. For Ad-Free listening, Apple Music and Spotify starts at $12.99/month. These provide excellent ways to curate playlists, and with AutoPlay, the apps will continue to play similar music, so you can hear pieces you might never have heard before, or that you’d forgotten about. These are apps you can get on your smartphone. Spotify works great for both Android and Apple iPhones, and Apple Music is especially great on iPhones. You won’t find much difference in the way of useability of either Spotify or Apple Music – both are excellent – you can simply search and play music!

I will never forget overhearing a conversation while doing a bit of grocery shopping – one lady turned to another with earphones in and said “Podcasting?” to which she replied “Yes, absolutely brilliant!” Both knew the power of the podcast and turned back around to continue perusing fruit. I cannot stress the captivating brilliance of the Podcast enough. It is like listening to the Radio, but you can listen to almost any topic that strikes your interest at any time – History, Humour, Grandparenting, Murder Mysteries, Philosophy, News, Sport, Healthy Living. The best part about Podcasting is that majority are 100% free! These can be accessed through Spotify (even without a paid account), Apple Podcasts (already installed on your iPhone) and Google Podcasts (on Android). Notable podcasts include Conversations ABC, Australian True Crime, ABC News Daily, and my personal favourite – How Other Dads Dad with Hamish Blake. You can listen to these really anywhere – at home, in the car and while shopping (earphones recommended!).

Audiobooks are another excellent way to aurally consume content. It’s the bliss of having someone read your favourite books to you. I understand it’s not for everyone – sometimes all you want is good old hard-cover in the sun with a cuppa. For the times that you’re on the move or you’re otherwise preoccupied, maybe knitting, playing cards or on a sunset walk, an audiobook is pleasant to have. The best place these can be accessed are on Audible (which is made by Amazon), simply downloading their app and signing up. Other places include Spotify and the ‘Book’ app on iPhone. Spotify Premium users get 15 hours included per month. These do come with a cost, and run on a credit basis. Usually works out to be around $10-$15 per book. Well worth the cost.

I hope I have shown you some great options for you to listen to. There is a whole world waiting for you to listen to. If you need some more suggestions, or would like some help signing up and a lesson on the best practices, reach out and I can support you in a session.

Edin Read.

Founder & Chief Technician.

0401 018 615

edin@greyology.com.au

Greyology. Tech Support for Seniors.

www.greyology.com.au