In an unexpected and comprehensive feature update, Pandora announced that it is rolling out Voice Mode to all of its users. The feature is a personalized voice assistant designed for Pandora and customized to the platform’s listeners. We gave it a whirl. Continue Reading
DAX, the digital audio exchange owned by Global, has published its annual report tracking interest in digital audio among advertisers and media agencies in the UK. The resulting whitepaper, titled The Rise of Digital Audio Advertising, describes survey research performed by MTM in the UK. The survey population included 147 manager-level and above employees at media agencies, and 68 people working for brand advertisers. Continue Reading
Fifty-three million American adults own smart speakers. Because some people and households own multiple speakers, that adds up to 118.5-million devices — a 78% increase in overall device ownership year-over-year. This, and much other data, come from the NPR/Edison Research Smart Audio Report, released in a webinar today. Continue Reading
The Infinite Dial study is continuing to spread its international footprint. Edison Research announced that the survey will be conducted for the first time in South Africa this year. The results are slated to be presented in late August or early September. Continue Reading
We covered the Sirius XM earnings report last week. Here, a deeper drive in Jim Meyer’s remarks about the Pandora merger and innovations in the car. “Bar none, the leader” On the April 24th Q1 2019 Earnings call for SiriusXM,… Continue Reading
Amazon is rolling out a new use for Alexa for people using its Audible audiobook service. Beginning today, the voice assistant can be used to contact the customer support team for the Audible audiobook platform. We inadvertently tested it. Continue Reading
Podtrac released a new set of data today exploring the most popular podcast topics. In both February 2019 and February 2018, the top three podcast categories were comedy, news and politics, and society and culture. Continue Reading
iHeartMedia has revamped one of its AM radio stations to a podcast channel. The conglomerate’s AM 1470 in Allentown, Penn., will now feature back-to-back podcast programming. Continue Reading
Spotify has acquired not one, but two podcasting companies. The rumor mill hinted this week that the streaming company was in negotiations for podcast producer Gimlet Media, and that is one of the purchases. But Spotify has also acquired Anchor, a straightforward service that lets anyone start creating, distributing, and monetizing podcasts. Continue Reading
Triton Digital and Edison Research have set a date for the release of the latest data from their Infinite Dial research report. The survey will be broadcast live and online on Wednesday, March 6 at 2pm Eastern. The Infinite Dial regularly assesses habits and trends for audio in the United States, including topics such as podcasting, smart speakers, and AM/FM radio. Continue Reading
AdsWizz has unveiled a new program for certifying advertisers’ expertise in digital audio. The Digital Audio Expert Program will test participants on their knowledge of advertising in this format as well as building new skills in audio. OMG Programmatic is the first agency to complete the certification program. Continue Reading
Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! is one of NPR’s more popular shows thanks to its blend of humor and trivia, and now you can play along on a smart speaker. Owners of devices with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa can try out an interactive game hosted by the radio show’s Peter Sagal and Bill Kurtis. Continue Reading