Stream millions of music tracks with free iPad app

Itching to buy new music this fall, but aren't sure what to pick up?

You've got a few options: listen to the radio or a streaming service, preview new tracks at your local music store or see what's trending on iTunes.

Another option is an app called Wall of Sound, a visual jukebox, of sorts, that proves to be a powerful -- yet somewhat limiting -- way to be exposed to new music.

As the name suggests, the recently updated Wall of Sound looks like a poster comprised of colourful album artwork. You can use your fingertip to swipe in any direction, and you'll see your iPad screen populate with even more music. If you see something you want to listen to, tap the album cover, and it'll launch a 30-second sample from one of its tracks. If you like what you hear, you could tap to see other tracks from the same album, and also choose to buy the song or album from iTunes on the spot.

The app first analyzes your music collection to get an idea of what you already listen to. For example, Wall of Sound saw I had Matisyahu and Bob Marley on my iPad, so it presented other reggae artists to sample. Your own music also shows up on the "wall," and of course, you're not limited to just a preview if you already own the music.

The app developer, NuageProduction, says there are 20 million songs available in its mobile jukebox, which requires a Wi-Fi or cellular connection to access.

You can choose to preview songs by genre, new titles or top downloads. Or you can choose the shuffle mode to let it play something new automatically. There's a social media element in which you can share what you're listening to via e-mail, SMS, Facebook or Twitter. With e-mail, for example, the recipient gets a message that says you're listing to such-and-such song, shows the album artwork and provides links to the iTunes album page and another to download the app.

If you want to, say, play a game or open the Web browser while listening, Wall of Sound supports background play, so you'd simply minimize the app and launch something else. AirPlay is also supported in case you want to stream the music to a compatible AirPlay speaker, AV receiver or Apple TV.

Aside from only getting a half-minute sample for each song, another downside is some potentially inappropriate content. For example, I heard some profanity in a Kanye West song and saw a suggestive album cover for Steel Panther's It Won't Suck Itself (ahem). Just be aware of this before you let the kids tune in.

Overall, however, the app works well, as you can sample a lot of free music in an attractive and intuitive way.