Shazam is out with what is self-described as a “major update” to the app, version 5.0. It delivers a groundbreaking new feature thanks to rewritten software that enables users to tag audio and Shazam will identify it within a single second.

Now, you can launch the Shazam app, put your phone up to a speaker that’s playing back a song, television show, or television advertisement, and in one second figure out what the hell you’re listening to as well as save or share it on your social networks. The app also brings up its trademarked LyricPlay service which scrolls through lyrics to songs while keeping pace with the song playing and information such as links to purchase, music videos, tour dates and the like. Shazam is able to do all of this far faster than any of its competitors, e.g. SoundHound or IntoNow.

Some of the minor, but still notable updates that made it into version 5.0 include a somewhat revamped user interface, the ability to add a comment to tags shared to Facebook or Twitter, and support for new languages: Brazilian Portuguese, Korean and Spanish for South America.

It’s interesting to see how Shazam has evolved over time. I remember when it was a simple app for tagging music. Then fierce competition arose and Shazam sprung to its full potential, bringing features for tagging television programs and much more. Shazam 5.0 with one-second tagging is another step ahead.

The update is only for iPhone and iPod touch in the App Store. It applies to the free Shazam app as well as Shazam Encore and (RED), both $6.

[via Shazam]