Saavn, a specialist in Indian and Bollywood music, has shared two business developments. First, the company added two strategic investors to its music platform. Second, the company also announced some results from its efforts as an in-house label. Continue Reading
The news that Apple has withdrawn its timetable to launch the HomePod smart speaker this year is a final buttoning down of the holiday lineup of smart speakers, as we enter Black Friday week. The broken promise of a Q4 launch is certainly disappointing to Apple loyalists who are deep into the ecosystem. Was the HomePod squeezed out of its market position by a surprise maneuver by Sonos? Continue Reading
Spotify has announced plans to move into a new office in London. Not only will the streaming company’s square footage be growing in the UK capital, but so will its workforce. Bloomberg reported that Spotify expects to double its London team over the next two years. Continue Reading
Streaming service Yandex Music is the top non-game mobile app in Russia based on iOS and Android sales, according to App Annie. Although detailed numbers are scarce, Russian music companies appear to be doing a solid business despite longstanding trends toward piracy within the market. Continue Reading
AirKast worked with Microsoft to create skills for the tech giant’s Cortana voice-controlled assistant on the Harman Kardon Invoke speaker. Invoke is one of the first smart speakers to feature Cortana as the primary AI platform. Continue Reading
Apple has delayed the launch of its HomePod smart speaker. The device, which enters the same space as Amazon’s Echo line and the Google Home, will not roll out until early 2018. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Two major labels’ UK arms have sued TuneIn. Research into “super listeners” of podcasts. Continue Reading
Nielsen has released its Total Audience Report for Q2 2017. The analysis included a spotlight on AM/FM radio consumption. Most of radio’s consumption happens out of the home while listeners are working or shopping. Radio secured 1 hour, 50 minutes of average time spent in the second quarter for the average U.S. adult. Continue Reading
StreamGuys, Jacobs Media Strategies, and jacapps collaborated on a webinar with pertinent data and advice about streaming for radio broadcasters. The presentation began with audience survey data from Jacobs’ TechSurvey 13. The survey showed a steady trend of traditional platforms in a gradual decline since TechSurvey 9 as digital platforms have been on a slow and steady rise. Continue Reading
Universal Music Group has posted streaming revenue of €1.44 billion ($1.6 billion) in the first nine months of 2017, up 40.8% over the same period. In just the third quarter, the label’s streaming revenue reached €481 million ($535 million). Continue Reading
XAPPmedia launched a custom Alexa skill for Jazz FM. The debut makes Jazz FM the first UK radio station to roll out a custom Alexa skill. The station’s voice command has also launched in the U.S. and in India. Continue Reading
Spotify has acquired Soundtrap, an online music studio that lets people collaborate on music creation in real time. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Soundtrap’s service will continue to be available. Continue Reading