Apple usually shares a lot of hardware updates in the fall, and it appears that the company’s smart speaker will be getting a few new features. The HomePod was not discussed at all during the Apple keynote event this week, but its product page was updated with news that the device would be getting radio streaming on September 30. Continue Reading
Pandora has followed up its Mac desktop app launch in the spring with a new Windows version of the software. Listeners for any of Pandora’s plans can download a dedicated app for its audio service. Continue Reading
Kantar Media shared new insights about smart speakers in the United States. The latest Worldpanel ComTech data revealed that the net promoter score, a ratio of a product’s likely recommenders versus its detractors, has dropped from 30 to 20 for smart speakers. Continue Reading
Spotify has acquired SoundBetter. The company provides a marketplace for music and audio professionals to connect and work together. It includes production roles for singers, songwriters, producers, mixers, mastering engineers, and session musicians. Continue Reading
Spotify’s newest exclusive podcast is a project from Bill Simmons. The Hottest Take will see the longtime podcaster and media personality engaging in short conversations every episode, each running less than 15 minutes. Continue Reading
DAX announced that it has entered an exclusive two-year advertising deal with Endemol Shine Group. Under the terms of the deal, DAX will be the ad sales partner for the new commercial podcast portfolio from the global content creator. Continue Reading
Voxnest has released its latest data tracking the international usage of Spotify and Apple as a podcast platform. In August, the Voxnest Audience Network found that Spotify was the more popular service in Portugal, Algeria, and Bulgaria. Continue Reading
Royalties and payments to artists have remained one of the most complex topics with the shift to streaming models. Deezer is trying a new approach to how it makes those payments. The company’s proposed plan is a user-centric payment system that it will begin trialing next year in France. Continue Reading
Spotify’s latest social media integration is with Snapchat. The streaming audio company’s music and podcasts can now be shared in a Snap. The integration includes sharing tracks, playlists, albums, and podcasts. Continue Reading
Performing rights organization BMI announced another record-breaking year of financial results. During its fiscal year ending June 30, the group increased revenue 7% to reach $1.283 billion. Continue Reading
Two European podcast tech companies have joined forces to create an integrated solution for professionals across the industry. Podigee is a German-based company offering podcast hosting, distribution, and analytics. Audion, an ad-insertion startup headquartered in France, will open a German office pursuant to the partnership. Continue Reading
Katz Media Group, a top media sales group, announced that it is launching a division for programmatic sales of digital audio. The new Audiology by Katz unit offers inventory across more than 120 connected devices and smart speakers. Continue Reading