Tencent is reportedly preparing to launch a new voice-activated digital assistant for the popular WeChat app. Bloomberg reported that the upcoming assistant is named Xiaowei and will help the more than a billion users of the messaging app with simple tasks. Continue Reading
The week is kicking off with a pair of updates for the Apple HomePod. First, the smart speaker’s international footprint is growing. Second is a shift in how many places the same Apple Music account can be playing. Continue Reading
iHeartMedia has chosen Panoply’s Megaphone platform to distribute select shows from its iHeartPodcast Network. As a Megaphone client, iHeartMedia will receive tools for publishing, dynamic ad insertion, ad operations, campaign management, reporting, and analytics. Continue Reading
Musonomics, a consulting and analytics firm for the music industry, has released a report about the operational changes undergone by music labels in the streaming era. It is authored by Musonomics founder Larry Miller and commissioned by the RIAA. Continue Reading
Apple Music has entered a partnership with the Sunderland AFC, a UK football club. (That’s soccer team to our fellow Americans.) As the exclusive streaming music partner for Sunderland, fans will be able to listen to player-curated playlists within the music platform and on the team’s website. Continue Reading
Google has discontinued the Chromecast Audio. A representative from Google confirmed that the specialized device, which streams audio from a mobile device or PC to a home speaker, will no longer be produced. However, Google will continue to provide support for Chromecast Audio owners. Continue Reading
Spotify has reached a big milestone in its growth: 200 million monthly active users. The streaming service added 9 million monthly active users in the past few months and reached the 200 million mark “about a week ago,” according to Spotify Global Head of Communications Dustee Jenkins. Continue Reading
Tidal has a new partnership with the Lincoln car manufacturer. Owners of Lincoln cars with the latest version of the Ford Sync AppLink infotainment service and an iOS device can access Tidal through the digital dashboard. Continue Reading
The BBC’s Sam Bailey has been appointed as the managing director for the new Audio Content Fund. This program, funded by the UK government, will award grants for the production of public service content for commercial radio. Continue Reading
Spotify has landed another exclusive podcast deal, further expanding its roster of original programming. The streaming service signed a partnership with Jemele Hill, a former anchor for ESPN SportsCenter. Continue Reading
Amazon’s Echo line is starting to show up in cars. TechCrunch reported that the Echo Auto, announced in September, began shipping pre-orders in December. It also has third-party options for bringing its Alexa voice assistant behind the wheel. Continue Reading
The Consumer Technology Association released a report with its projections for spending by U.S. shoppers this year. The report anticipated that the latest tech developments will spur a record-breaking $398 billion in retail revenue during 2019. On-demand music services are projected to grow revenue in double-digit percentages. Continue Reading