Sony Music Entertainment and Rhapsody International have partnered to launch a streaming service in Japan. The platform, called mora qualitas, will offer high-resolution lossless FLAC audio at CD quality. It is built on Rhapsody’s Powered By Napster platform. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Next year will see the inaugural Radiodays Asia, scheduled for Malaysia in August. James has the announcement, and other audio industry news. Continue Reading
GeekWire has partnered with Steve Ballmer, former Microsoft CEO and founder of USAFacts, for a new branded podcast. Numbers Geek will cover interesting statistics from government, business, sports, and entertainment. Todd Bishop, GeekWire’s co-founder and editor, will host the show. Continue Reading
Spotify has entered a unique cross-promotion deal with comedian and television host Ellen DeGeneres. The streaming service will have a new content hub on its site with playlists, podcasts, and video clips curated by DeGeneres. In return, the performer will make on-air plugs for Spotify during her eponymous TV show. Continue Reading
The Worldwide Independent Network has released its third annual report on the role of indies in the global music market. The top-line takeaway is that independents are now responsible for 39.9% of global recorded music. Indie music generated global revenue of $6.9 billion in 2017. Continue Reading
Apple looks to be closing 2018 with another music business acquisition. Platoon is an A&R and creative services company founded in 2016. The London-based company has helped early-stage artists in the U.S. and the UK such as Billie Eilish, Jorja Smith, and Stefflon Don before their major signings. Continue Reading
Google is reinventing a standard feature in smart speakers: the news update. Made famous by Amazon Echo’s “Flash Briefing,” Google’s version is invoked by “Play the news.” The initiative would bring the vast news collection capability of Google News into the voice activation realm. Continue Reading
Deezer has entered an agreement with podcast platform Voxnest. The new deal will bring Spreaker podcasts to audiences in Colombia and Brazil on Deezer. Spreaker’s Spanish-language podcast library includes content from Spain, Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina. Continue Reading
The Google Podcasts app seemed like a big move when it was first announced. Amplifi Media CEO Steve Goldstein reached out to several leaders in audio and podcasting to get a better understanding of why the app hasn’t been a smashing success yet. Continue Reading
Amazon has launched new voice features for Prime Music and Amazon Music Unlimited listeners using its Alexa assistant. The updates will increase personalization of music requests and more conversational interactions with Alexa. Continue Reading
Audioburst, an audio search platform powered by AI, announced a new deal to bring its technology into cars. The company is working with LGE on a vehicle infotainment system that it plans to unveil at CES in January. The deal relies on Audioburst’s Deep Analysis API for additional metadata categorization. Continue Reading
iHeartMedia is in the process of restructuring after a strategic move of declaring bankruptcy in March. Despite several years of financial difficulties, the company still has such a large footprint in broadcasting and audio that it has been the subject of takeover rumors. First, Apple was allegedly engaging in talks with the media conglomerate. Now, Liberty Media is reportedly interested as well. Continue Reading