There’s not reason why a smart speaker must comply with the traditional stand-alone, single-function design which has made voice assistants famous. Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has crowdfunded its way to releasing the Xiao Ai mouse, a smart peripheral does performs all normal mouse-like duties, and is equipped with a microphone and speaker. And smarts. Continue Reading
9to5 Mac sorted through Apple WWDC slides and found one revealing that the company’s smart speaker, HomePod, will open up to allow non-Apple streaming music services. Doing so would represent an important strategic change. Continue Reading
When is less more? Perhaps APM’s marketplace is answering thast question with its new Marketplace Minute audio program, slated for ubiquitous radio/podcast distribution in alliance with Westwood One. The new show is a 60-second audio economic news report distributed nationally on commercial radio, across major podcast platforms and on smart speakers. It is the first time a public media entity has partnered with a commercial audio network to distribute a news product in these formats. Continue Reading
TuneIn has launched a media campaign to build awareness of its listening platform, and emphasize its ubiquity. The clever campaign tagline is “Hear, Here.” TuneIn listening has grown 27% year-over-year. Click through for a video featured in the company’s new marketing. Continue Reading
Podcast creative network Wondery is launching its own listening app, a first for the company. In doing so, wondery gives extra support and a more coherent presentation of the Wondery Plus subscription service, which offers ad-free listening to Wondery shows. Continue Reading
In its annual WorldWide Developers Conference (WWDC) yesterday, Apple set expectations for a new version of Apple Podcasts, by most measures the top podcast distribution platform. The app will offer podcast suggestions based on previous listening as interpreted by the app’s AI. Continue Reading
Today is the day The Podcast Academy really gets rolling. After a couple of explanatory Q&A webinars last week (read our coverage HERE), and development of a governance board before that (see HERE), today podcasters and supporting professionals can apply for membership. Click through for links and requirements. Continue Reading
Spotify announced it is partnering with Warner Bros. and DC to create narrative scripted podcasts set in the entire DC universe. All content resulting from this partnership will live on, and be distributed by, Spotify exclusively. It has been an important 30 days for Spotify. Click through for perspective and details. Continue Reading
The Wall Street Journal scooped that Spotify has signed Kim Kardashian West to create and host a new podcast about criminal justice. No name for the show is publicly disclosed at this point, or a launch date. It will be produced by Parcast, a podcast production company previously acquired by Spotify. Continue Reading
Podcast technology company ART19 is announcing a new platform layer which, in Founder/CEO Sean Carr’s words, seeks to “push audio ad tech to catch up to other industries.” It is a tools which assesses available podcast advertising inventory, and accurately predicts campaign results. Continue Reading
Podtrac released its monthly Top Podcasts ranking for May. NPR appears most often, as owner of seven shows. iHeartRadio has three of the top 20. The #4 spot was claimed by Call Her Daddy, returning after a 5-week break over a controversy that was covered by The New York Times, moved up 11 spots in the ranker. Continue Reading
LAist Studios sent us a note announcing a new slate of podcasts. One standout: Servant of Pod with Nick Quah. Quah founded, writes, and edits the well-read Hot Pod. It’s a weekly deep dive into the evolving world of podcasts, launching June 17. Continue Reading