Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Leading Apple Music’s next act. Podcast recommendations by DM. Streaming growth is still slow in Africa. Continue Reading
The BBC has continued to make updates and improvements to its Alexa skill. The biggest new development is the ability to seamlessly continue listening to a program between an Alexa-enabled device and the BBC Sounds app or website. Continue Reading
Vivendi has released its financial results for the first half of 2019, including the latest financials for Universal Music Group. The major label saw recorded music revenue reach nearly €2.6 billion, up 22.4% from the first half of 2018. Continue Reading
After all three of the main developers of voice assistant platforms have faced privacy breaches, either through whistleblowers or through human or mechanical errors, a member of Congress is moving to address the risks to consumers. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) has introduced a new act that would give people recourse for when smart speakers and smart doorbells collect data in violation of their terms of agreements. Continue Reading
The RAJAR Midas report surveys UK adults on their audio consumption habits. The summer results reveal age as a key predictor in several audio trends, including in podcasts, on-demand music, and smartphones. Continue Reading
We got word this morning that Spotify’s popular in-house playlist Viva Latino! playlist now has more than 10-million followers (10,099,861 as of this writing). A rating of 10-million users is a milestone achievement, and Viva’s success is an indicator of the extent to which music playlists compete with CDs, radio stations, and even successful TV programs. Continue Reading
Google announced that it will donate 100,000 Google Home Minis to people with paralysis and their caregivers. The company is acting in a partnership with the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Continue Reading
French trade body SNEP has released its mid-year report on the domestic music industry. The nation saw its revenue increase 12.7% to €277.1 million in the first half. Continue Reading
Sirius XM announced that it has inked a deal with Drake. The hugely popular artist is at the center of an extensive new partnership. The deal includes “a dedicated station, curated music, and collaborations with creative talent.” Continue Reading
Spotify’s personnel changes continue, with news today of another exit from the ranks along with a promotion for regional management. Continue Reading
Amazon released its financial results for the second quarter. The company generated net sales of $63.4 billion in the period. Despite the eye-popping size of the totals, Amazon’s performance caused consternation in the market. Continue Reading
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture has selected the first podcast to be added to its permanent collection. The museum is adding several episodes of the show Revision Path. Continue Reading