In an alternate universe, AutoRap works and that sentence above would be the beginning of a long, gushing statement about how, despite the freemium charges associated with the app, it’s worth spending a few bucks on.
But here we are in this universe, where AutoRap barely actually works. Instead, the app seems like a weird, covert way to get users to sign-up for products they do not want.
The app has two “modes,” one is a “freestyle” mode where users can rap or sing over some custom beats. AutoRap will Auto-Tune your voice and make sure your rapping has a consistent flow when you rap over these tracks. And you can rap over them at least 20 times, for free. There’s also a button that also offers “Unlimited Freestyle Plays” but nothing actually happens when you tap it.
The second mode is what most karaoke fans would come to check out in the first place – real karaoke versions of their favorite hip-hop or R&B songs. The selection is pretty impressive, from newer songs by Rick Ross to Outkast hits. But aside from the one free premium play that the app provides, good luck getting to try any of the “premium” tracks without a fight. It’s not unusual for a karaoke app to make users pay to get the good stuff, but AutoRap seems to have an entirely different agenda.[sc name=”quote” text=”AutoRap will Auto-Tune your voice and make sure your rapping has a consistent flow when you rap over these tracks.”]
What’s strange is that AutoRap doesn’t make it easy for you to actually purchase premium plays. Although there are allegedly two ways to pick up premium plays, the only one that ever seems to get anywhere is the “free” option, which lets users purchase a variety of different products and services that will also supply them with premium song plays. The other option, to just go ahead and buy some premium plays for your own personal use without also signing-up for Netflix or liking Samsung on Facebook, has timed-out every single time I’ve attempted to use it.
And that’s not even getting into the issue of “plays” versus “tracks.” While other karaoke apps let you purchase a song for repeated uses, AutoRap lets you purchase a play of a song. So you can rap once over Outkast’s “Ms. Jackson” and then to go back later and rap on it again, you’ll need to use up another “play.” Which is sort of insane.
The technology used in AutoRap is fun, it’s just too bad there isn’t a worthwhile app built around it. Maybe in a few updates AutoRap will have its act up to snuff. For now, skip it like a record.
[appbox appstore id524299475]
[appbox googleplay com.smule.autorap]
