Apple’s HomePod launches today, joining the already-crowded and still-growing field of smart speakers. Given the existing competition, a delayed debut, and some critical reviews, how will the HomePod do in sales? Continue Reading
Amazon is adding a useful new function to its Alexa-enabled devices. Amazon Music Unlimited and Prime Music listeners can now build playlists through voice controls. The feature rolls out today on any device with Alexa built in. Continue Reading
Bill Patrizio is making his interim role at the helm of Napster a permanent position. Patrizio has officially been appointed president and CEO of the streaming service. He took on those jobs in an interim capacity in May 2017 when the company began a restructuring. Continue Reading
Tidal is now available in Spain thanks to a new telecom deal. The streaming service has partnered with Vodafone to give customers access. The standard tier is available for 9.99 euros a month, while Tidal Hi-Fi will cost 19.99 euros. Continue Reading
Cür Music may be attempting a revival. The company, which was developing a mid-tier streaming service and personal radio platform, laid off all staff and ceased operations in August 2016. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Deezer’s CEO shared his vision for the future and streaming success. An ESPN exec detailed the sports network’s audio strategy. The upcoming Wolverine scripted podcast gets a trailer. Continue Reading
Spotify has changed how it works with several third-party speakers and receivers, meaning some customers may be experiencing a break in service. Spotify Connect is no longer integrated in the same way with some speakers and audio products from Bang & Olufsen, Denon, Dynaudio, Logitech, Marantz, NAD, Onkyo, Philips, Pioneer, Teufel, and Yamaha. Continue Reading
Austria posted 6.1% growth in its music market during 2017, reaching a total of 145.4 million euros. Streaming revenue grew 86% to 32.6 million euros. According to the IFPI Austria, streaming was the main driver of the country’s music growth last year. Continue Reading
Apple’s purchase of Shazam is getting some additional scrutiny in the EU. The European Commission announced that it has accepted requests from multiple nations to review the proposed acquisition. Austria, France, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Spain, and Sweden sent the requests. Continue Reading
Podcast company RadioPublic has adopted a new service for show creators to get paid for their work. For podcasts that participate, RadioPublic will sell ads to bookend episodes, then pay the show creators a set rate for listens on its Android and iOS apps. The current pay is $20 per thousand listens. Continue Reading
After a delay, Apple has released its first entry into the smart speaker space. Reviews are now out for the Apple HomePod, and there’s a large amount of consensus about the device’s strengths and weaknesses. Continue Reading
Mixcloud has hired Joe Danvers-McCabe to join the music company as its senior product manager. In this role, he will oversee digital products and develop Mixcloud’s presence in long-form audio. Mixcloud’s platform specializes in streaming audio of DJ sets, mix tapes, and radio shows. Continue Reading