Apple and Beats Electronics reached a final merger agreement in which Beats is folded into Apple, probably by September. Facts are emerging and suppositions are flowing. We voraciously scanned coverage around the web to deliver a hotlist of must-read reporting and opinion. Continue Reading
Ending its exercise in delayed gratification, Apple turned rumor into reality by acquiring Beats Electronics for $3-billion. Tellingly, Apple’s press release leads with the streaming music service. “Apple today announced it has agreed to acquire the critically acclaimed subscription streaming music service Beats Music, and Beats Electronics, which makes the popular Beats headphones, speakers and audio software.” Continue Reading
On one hand, Google’s newly-announced partnership with Sonos, which builds a highly regarded line of home WiFi speakers, is just another distribution agreement. On the other hand, the six-month trial represents the latest supposition that short trials of streaming services don’t convert well to paying accounts. Continue Reading
As expected, Spotify announced at a press event today that the music service is now available to Brazilian users. The expansion marks the 57th country of Spotify’s global reach. Brazil owns one of the ten largest economies in the world by any reckoning — by some accounts the sixth-largest. The country houses a population of 200-million people. Sixty-two percent of Brazil’s citizens are 29 or younger. Continue Reading
Today brings the latest update of a story that won’t die … and won’t start, for that matter. Claire Atkinson of the New York Post cites unnamed sources who claim that Apple’s rumor-factory acquisition of Beats Electronics will be finalized and announced this week. We review the Apple/Beats saga and latest leaks. Continue Reading
Items of interest in the music-app realm: Songza wins an award, Spotify suffers a tiny hack, Samsung will discontinue a music service. Continue Reading
Billboard and Twitter launched their new real-time, interactive song charts today. It is apt to say these “go live” today, as they are real-time, constantly updating lists fed by the continuous crowdsourced flow of Twitter references. We refreshed the trending 140 list repeatedly, watching songs shift position, moving up and down the list. Continue Reading
Last week we reported on the acrimonious negotiations between Google’s YouTube and Worldwide Independent Network (WIN), a consortium of small music labels around the world. The talks, which anticipate a new music-only service from YouTube, have deteriorated — signified by a formal public statement from WIN. Continue Reading
the five most-read articles of the week. Apple updates is podcast app with Siri, with uneven results … A new study provides interesting analysis of streaming music business drivers … Canada sets royalty rates for non-interactive streaming … Spotify at 10-million subscribers … digital magic from a syndicated radio show. Continue Reading
Public Radio International announced the launch of SoundWorks from PRI, a curated collection of new podcasts featuring “unique voices focused on the issues that shape both daily life and international trends.” Four programs are included in the inauguration of the website. Continue Reading
A global music trade organization representing independent musicians, reportedly issued (then removed) a public complaint and threat during negotiations with Google about a yet-to-be-launched YouTube music service. The publicity around this outburst further legitimizes rumors that YouTube is setting the stage for a dedicated music service, and also purportedly shines light on Google’s aggressive negotiations. Continue Reading
Facebook has announced a new feature in upcoming app releases that works by identifying music playing in the user’s location, and including a 30-second clip in Facebook posts. Shazam and SoundHound, market leaders for song recognition, are probably not over the moon about this incursion. Continue Reading