SPOTIFY VS APPLE: SHOTS FIRED

Spotify is emailing its users with the pictured graphic and encouraging them to pay for their service directly, bypassing iTunes' App Store. The Daniel Ek-led streaming service goes as far as instructing customers on how to shut off iTunes' "Auto-Renew" function, cancel their current subscription and reenlist.

The introductory message states, "We like you just the way you are. Don't change. Ever. But if you want to change how much you pay for Spotify Premium, we're here to help. In case you didn't know, the normal Premium price is only $9.99, but Apple charges 30 percent on all payments made through iTunes. If you switch your payments to Spotify.com, there are no transaction costs and you'll save money." Zing! Tim Cook might need some ice for that burn.

Will Team Apple respond? We love it when the mud-slingin' starts. Pass the popcorn, buddy.

As we've noted elsewhere, Apple's new service (including Beats 1) appears to be lifting all streaming boats, including Spotify's.

In a related story, Donald Trump has an amazing salsa playlist.