Shazam for iPhone gets redesigned, Chaatz enters the iOS messaging fray with profiles

Popular audio identification app Shazam was updated Monday with a fresh coat of paint and the ability to more quickly access additional content, while Chaatz aims to end messaging fragmentation with a new profile-based app that can separate work from personal contacts.

Shazam

Shazam's facelift includes a user interface that is lighter overall and presents a card-like layout after "tagging," or identifying a song. The cards allow users to directly access content like lyrics and music videos.

The app now gives users a lyric preview as soon as the song is matched, as well as a new look-and-feel for finding and purchasing tracks. As before, Shazam is available in a free edition as well as a paid "encore" edition.

Users can still take advantage of the "Auto Shazam" feature, which automatically listens and identifies audio as users move around.

Shazam version 7.4.0 is available now as a free, 32.1-megabyte download from the App Store.

Chaatz

Chaatz gives users the ability to separate contacts in different "profiles" —  for instance, a user may have different profiles for work contacts and friends. Switching profiles changes the list of available contacts, helping to ensure that users do not accidentally send messages to the wrong person.

When signing up, users can optionally choose to be assigned a "Chaatz number," a portable number that is not tied to a specific device or real-world account. The company touts this as a privacy advantage, saying that the Chaatz number can be freely distributed without giving away any personally-identifiable details.

In addition, the virtual Chaatz number can be assigned to devices that are not connected to the cellular voice network —  like tablets —  which the company hopes will allow users to centralize all their text communication in one application, no matter which device they use.

Chaatz version 1.1.0 is available now as a free, 10.4-megabyte download from the App Store.