Music service Tidal gets new features, student discount planned

High-res music service Tidal is getting some updates including links to Ticketmaster sales for artists' dates and a welcome discount price for students.

Users can download a new beta desktop player for Windows and Mac operating systems that makes it easier to find songs and videos. Also new: tour dates and links to buy tickets. And as part of a new partnership with Ticketmaster, Tidal members will get access to exclusive ticket giveaways, presales and discounts.

The Android and iOS mobile apps will have updated design features, too, including improved search and menus and easier to use "offline mode" function.

Good news for students interested in listening: users will a valid .edu email address will be eligible to subscribe monthly for $4.99 (or $9.99 monthly for the Hi-Fi high resolution tier), a 50% discount. Sign-up will be available soon, Tidal says.

Non-students can choose between two pricing options: $9.99 or $19.99 monthly for uncompressed streamed music that matches CD-quality. At either price, subscribers get access to the service's 30 million songs, videos and other exclusive content and experiences. Newcomers can still test drive the ad-free service for free for one month.

Owner Jay Z relaunched Tidal nine weeks ago with a celebrity-flush event attended by artists who are equity owners in the business, among them Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Usher, Madonna, Rihanna and Jack White.

Follow Mike Snider on Twitter: @MikeSnider