Qobuz Redesigns Mobile App, Adds Real-Time Lyrics Feature

A New Player for Music Lovers

Qobuz, the high-resolution music streaming service, has rolled out a significant redesign of its mobile app. The update brings a completely overhauled music player interface. The company says the new player is built for smoother navigation and a more immersive listening experience.

Users will notice a cleaner layout with larger album art. Playback controls have been repositioned for easier one-handed use. The redesign appears focused on reducing clutter and putting the music front and centre.

Real-Time Lyrics to End the Debate

The standout feature of this update is the addition of real-time, synced lyrics. The feature scrolls lyrics in time with the music, highlighting each line as it is sung. Qobuz is positioning this as a tool to finally settle arguments over what a singer is actually saying in a song.

Lyrics are displayed directly within the player screen. Users can tap to view the full lyrics or keep them scrolling. The feature is available for a large portion of Qobuz's catalogue, though the exact number of supported tracks has not been disclosed.

How It Works

The lyrics are time-coded and synced to the track's playback. This means the text moves automatically, line by line. Users no longer have to manually search for lyrics on a separate website or app.

The feature is integrated directly into the now-playing screen. It replaces the static view of album art and track info with a dynamic, text-based display. For users who prefer a distraction-free view, the lyrics can be dismissed with a tap.

What Else Is New

Beyond the new player and lyrics, Qobuz has tweaked the app's overall navigation. The bottom tab bar has been reorganised. Playlists and favourites are now easier to access from the home screen.

The search function has also been improved. It now returns results for lyrics, albums, and artists more quickly. The update is rolling out to both iOS and Android users starting today.

Qobuz is known for its focus on high-fidelity audio. The company offers CD-quality and hi-res streaming tiers. This redesign does not change the audio quality but aims to improve the visual and interactive experience.

Why Sync Lyrics Matter

Real-time lyrics have become a standard feature on competing services like Apple Music and Spotify. Qobuz's addition brings it in line with these platforms. For audiophiles who chose Qobuz for sound quality, the lack of synced lyrics was a noted gap.

The feature is likely to be welcomed by users who sing along to songs or want to understand lyrics better. It also turns the app into a more social tool, making it easier to share correct lyrics in group chats or online discussions.

Qobuz has not announced plans to add a karaoke mode or other lyric-based features. For now, the focus is on getting the sync technology right across its library.

The rollout will be gradual. Users should check their app store for the update over the coming days. The change is free for all existing subscribers and does not require a new plan.