The winter 2019 edition of the Smart Audio Report from NPR and Edison Research has been released on the CES stage, with the latest insights on how listeners are using voice tech and smart speakers. In the new report, 24% of U.S. adults own a smart speaker for an audience of about 60 million people. Continue Reading
Using CES as a soapbox, Spotify has announced new ad-insertion technology for its podcasts. By most accounting, Spotify is the second-largest podcast distributor in the English-speaking world. Creating its own digital ad-tech unleashes a tectonic shiver in the podcast ecosystem of creators, publishers, technology companies, and advertisers. Continue Reading
iHeartMedia is having a busy CES, and released a swarm of information about new apps and integrations into specific car models and controlling vehicle operating systems. Of interest is not only iHeart’s voracious appetite for partnerships and reach, but also the variety and diversity of platform players competing for real estate in car dashboards and the systems. Continue Reading
In which we match up two ad revenue projections: One for the entire internet channel (from AdAge) and one for podcasting (from the IAB/PwC). Guess which line is moving faster. Continue Reading
Sonos has filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the tech giant infringed on patents in developing its smart speakers. The suit claims that Google infringed on five patents and seeks both financial damages and a ban on the sale of Google’s speakers, smartphones, and laptops in the U.S. Continue Reading
Customer consultancy Quadrangle released data around smart speaker adoption in the UK. According to its research, 22% of UK citizens have a smart speaker in their homes. That rate is up from 9% in 2017. Continue Reading
Podtrac sent around its monthly Top Podcast Publishers ranker this morning. the expected Top 10 is now Top 15, and Podtrac promises more expansion in future months. There is also a new column in the Podtrac ranker, naming an ad sales entity representing publishers on the list which have opted into that listing: Continue Reading
The Consumer Technology Association has released its annual forecast for 2020. The report projects that the consumer tech industry will see $422 billion in retail revenue this year, which would be a record-high and a 4% increase from the 2019 result. Continue Reading
Since 2014 RAIN News has featured New Year predictions from industry illuminati. We received nearly 200 predictions from 53 contributors on three continents. Over 70% of the contributions are about podcasting. Continue Reading
Triton Digital announced that its marketplace will join the exchange from the Rubicon Project. This integration will allow Rubicon Project buyers to access the audio supply from the sources using Triton’s supply-side platform. Continue Reading
Podcast tech and sales company Megaphone is starting the new year with a hiring announcement: David Cohn becomes the firm’s VP and Head of Sales. His 20-year media career as a sales executive has moved him through AskMed.com, Ranker, and Receptiv. Continue Reading
Amazon is beginning the new year with new plans to get its audio technology into more cars. It has deals with multiple manufacturers, and is going more global with the Echo Auto. Continue Reading