Author: Anna Washenko

Consumer tech revenue projected to grow 4% to $351 billion, helped by streaming and smart speakers

Posted on by Anna Washenko

The Consumer Technology Association has released new projections for tech sales in the U.S. Retail revenue from the consumer technology industry in 2018 is estimated to reach $351 billion, up 3.9% from the previous year. The report, released ahead of this week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, also examined some product segments of interest, such as streaming and smart speakers. Continue Reading →

Google Assistant moves into cars

Posted on by Anna Washenko

The Google Assistant voice control platform is getting integrated with Android Auto. The interactive car dashboard previously had Google Voice support, but now it will have the full feature set available from Google Assistant. It will still offer the more common functions that Android Auto owners have likely already been using, such as pulling up music or driving directions. Kia has also added Google Assistant support. Continue Reading →

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Music industry joins forces in support of Music Modernization Act and other proposed legislation

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Several U.S. music industry organizations have voiced their unified support for three pieces of proposed legislation. More than 20 groups issued a joint press release to endorse the Music Modernization Act of 2017, the CLASSICS Act, and the AMP Act. Continue Reading →

56.3 million smart speakers projected to ship globally in 2018

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Smart speakers are projected to reach 56.3 million global shipments this year, according to research by British firm Canalys. Amazon Echo and Google Home devices are expected to stay at the top of the field, but more products will likely enter the competition. The United States is expected to be the top market with an estimated 38.4 million units in 2018 and will likely remain at the top through 2020. Continue Reading →

Facebook gets music deal with Sony/ATV

Posted on by Anna Washenko

Facebook has landed a licensing agreement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. This deal allows users of the social media network to post videos with music from Sony/ATV’s catalog in the background. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed, but the companies said that Sony/ATV’s songwriters will have the chance to earn royalties when their compositions are used on Facebook or Instagram. Continue Reading →

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SoundCloud clarifies that it is not decreasing audio quality

Posted on by Anna Washenko

SoundCloud drew some heat recently when some users noticed changes in their audio quality. Select people noticed a shift from 128 kbps MP3 to 64 kbps Opus when using the SoundCloud streaming platform. The company has since clarified that these experiences are part of frequent tests it makes of audio, but are not part of any overall change to its technology or listening experience. Continue Reading →