Google’s global footprint for smart speakers exceeded Amazon’s in the second quarter of 2018. According to the latest estimates from Canalys, Google’s share leapt from 16.9% in Q2 2017 to 32.3% in Q2 2018. That growth helped the tech giant surpass Amazon. Continue Reading
Metadata expert Gracenote has launched its Global Music Data reference catalog in India. This move by the Nielsen-owned company will bring its localized collection of descriptive music information to the Indian market. Continue Reading
Spotify has embarked on several experiments in podcasting, and it is still finding ways to explore. The latest move is the first branded podcast for the streaming service. Spotify teamed with New Amsterdam Vodka for a show called Ebb & Flow hosted by Jasmine Solano, a DJ, music influencer, and ambassador for the liquor brand. Continue Reading
Podcasting played a starring role in the Q2 earnings call from Cumulus Media, as CEO Mary Berner predicted $10-million in 2018 revenue for the Westwood One Podcast Network. “Podcast listenership growth continues to outpace expectations,” she said. Continue Reading
Smart speakers are a newer product segment in Japan, but the devices have gained awareness quickly in that market. Recent data shared by Voicebot from Marketing Research Camp showed that rates of smart speaker ownership among ages 15-69 in Japan rose from 4.5% in late 2017 to 5.7% in February 2018. Continue Reading
CBS Radio is back in court over the a case centered on pre-1972 recordings that had been settled in 2016. The broadcaster argued that its use of remastered versions of recordings made before 1972, rather than the original vinyl formats, exempted it from copyright liability and a U.S. district court agreed. Continue Reading
Triton Digital announced that it has integrated its a2x programmatic audio advertising marketplace with AcuityAds, a digital advertising specialist focused on results driven by machine learning and AI. The integration will open up the a2x inventory to buyers using the Acuity platform, offering expanded reach through highly targeted digital audio purchases. Continue Reading
Podtrac has published its list of the top 20 podcasts for July 2018. The list is mostly unchanged from the June ranker, although July did have two new additions. Continue Reading
Beasley Media Group has launched a new effort to improve internal leadership for podcasting. The company has appointed four people as Podcast Captains, who will be charged with building up Beasley’s podcast presence. Continue Reading
Show Shouts highlights noteworthy new and upcoming podcasts from across the vast and still-growing audio medium. Today’s releases are a home improvement show from Cumulus, a new podcast network centered on bluegrass, and a science fiction story from Night Vale Presents. Continue Reading
Google may be making a big move in its efforts to secure a bigger slice of the smart speaker pie. According to reports in the Nikkei Asian Review, Google is planning a new smart speaker that will have a video screen. If these rumors come to pass, Google could have a product in direct competition with Amazon’s Echo Show in this year’s holiday shopping season. Continue Reading
Amazon is reportedly preparing to take its streaming music service to a more public position. Bloomberg reports that the tech giant will be launching a multimedia campaign in support of its streaming service. Continue Reading