Spotify has released three updates this week, each touching on a different area of the streaming service’s offerings. First, it introduced a Car View. Second, Spotify may be expanding its integration with dating app Tinder. Finally, Spotify has been making adjustments to its language about distributors. Continue Reading
Last week, the technology sector converged on Las Vegas for the annual Consumer Electronics Show. RAIN News has assembled some of the more unique and interesting developments from the event, where voice assistants and smart home news topped the headlines. Continue Reading
Deezer has launched a new dedicated mobile app for radio listening. Radio By Deezer offers access to 30,000 stations covering music, live sports, news, and talk. The app is free to download, does not require a subscription, and plays no additional advertisements. However, the initial rollout is limited to Android devices and to the UK market. Continue Reading
Anne Bulford is departing her post as the deputy director-general of the BBC. She is stepping away from the broadcaster to pursue other non-executive roles. She was the first woman to hold the deputy director-general post at the BBC. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: From mixtapes to streaming at Audiomack. Wondery CEO interview. Parrot racks up Amazon orders on owners’ Echo. Continue Reading
New startup Canopy caught the press’ attention for its unique approach to maintaining privacy while delivery personalized content recommendations, including for music. Helmed by a former Echo Nest exec, the company has now expanded two other high-profile hires. Canopy has hired Matt Ogle, the creator of Spotify’s Discover Weekly playlists, and Bassey Etim, former community desk editor for The New York Times. Continue Reading
Apple Music is offering a new, expanded deal to Verizon customers. The two parties had previously run a six-month free trial program for members of the Verizon Unlimited plan. Now, people who are part of the Beyond Unlimited and Above Unlimited plans on Verizon will have access to an ongoing Apple Music subscription as part of their service. Continue Reading
Tidal is back in headlines with questions about the accuracy of its internal stream counts, but the story is gnarlier than it appears. The Norwegian Authority for Investigation of Economic and Environmental Crime (Okokrim) has reportedly launched an investigation after receiving allegations from domestic artist associations about potential loss of income due to manipulation of streaming data, according to Bloomberg Quint. Tidal appears to be involved, but is reportedly not under investigation. Continue Reading
In a new development connecting several big audio trends, Pandora has launched a Voice Mode that lets listeners control its mobile app with spoken commands. Voice Mode is powered by SoundHound’s Houndify voice AI platform, and it will begin rolling out to users today. Continue Reading
Spotify has signed a global content deal with Indian entertainment firm T-Series. Under the terms of the agreement, Spotify’s audience will be granted access to T-Series’ entire music library, which includes Bollywood soundtracks and music from emerging artists. Continue Reading
Vevo has upped JP Evangelista to the role of senior vice president of content, programming and marketing. He will spearhead the company’s strategy for official music video releases, original content creation, and other global programming efforts in this expanded role. Continue Reading
Westwood One is announcing the broadcast launch of The Ben Shapiro Show on over 150 radio stations across eight of the top 10 markets. This is significant because The Ben Shapiro Show is a popular conservative talk podcast that has lifted Shapiro to fame as a right-side audio authority. The advertising structure is particularly interesting. Continue Reading