Exfm started as a Chrome browser extension (the company’s original name was Extension.fm) that scavenged websites for MP3 files, and allowed the user to upload those files to the cloud into a personal repository. In what could presage a thinning herd in 2014, Exfm is discontinuing its core music service. Continue Reading
The purpose of collective licensing is simplicity. Providing a mechanism for blanket music-use approval is supposed to move things along, facilitating legal performances of songs and efficient payment to creators. Tell that to BMI, its member publishers, and Pandora this morning. Continue Reading
The five most-read articles this week. A surprising court case; an ex-radio exec building a podcast empire; web listening metrics for October; An interesting not-exactly-merger; a study of how poorly most radio stations do Twitter. Continue Reading
Shazam updated its iOS app with a feature that makes it even more of a liferipper than it was before. The new feature is an Auto function that keeps Shazam listening for recorded music at all times, even when the app is closed. Continue Reading
Without question the biggest and most anticipated product launch of the year in streaming audio, iTunes Radio was late to the party. But for that reason among others, its appearance signified a few important pivot points. A sober observation of iTunes Radio influence might conclude that the product has been less tide-turning than expected. Continue Reading
RAIN Summit NYC – Pureplays and Podcasts, will be hosted by Kurt Hanson and Jennifer Lane on Wednesday, February 5 at The Greene Space in New York. Panel discussions and presentations will cover all aspects of the evolving streaming audio marketplace, followed by a cocktail reception for speakers and attendees. Continue Reading
The Indian music business is a $170-million industry. Bollywood music (also known as “filmi” music) represents more than 90 percent of it, but Indipop, regional music, devotional songs, and infiltrations of Western pop are important categories. Vodafone joins three independent services building audiences. Continue Reading
2013 has been the year for demonstrating how difficult it can be to turn on the radio in new cars with digital dashboards. Ford is making it easier for British drivers to turn on the radio by partnering with U.K. radio app RadioPlayer, which includes hundreds of stations including all the BBC outlets. Continue Reading
Friday is Winamp/Shoutcast Shutdown Day. Not exactly a national holiday, but a day of real significance for observers following the AOL-owned saga, and even more for stakeholders. On the back end of the ShoutCast directory are hooks that power a large number of mobile listening apps and entertainment devices. Those participants in the ShoutCast ecosystem have the most to lose. Continue Reading
In a world spanning almost precisely the glory days of AM Top 40 radio, where DJs were fast-paced, frenetic, and fun, Mr. Lujack (as he told us repeatedly that he preferred to be called) stood out as the antithesis of almost everyone else on the air. Listen to an air check in the article. Continue Reading
In a world spanning almost precisely the glory days of AM Top 40 radio, where DJs were fast-paced, frenetic, and fun, Mr. Lujack (as he told us repeatedly that he preferred to be called) stood out as the antithesis of almost everyone else on the air. He was surly, disgruntled, straightforward, and wry; while he could occasionally be cheery when the occasion called for it, it was always clearly a sarcastic cheery. (Air check in the article.) Continue Reading
Well-read tech reviewer David Pogue bestowed and end-of-year “Pogie” award on NextRadio, an FM chip-plus-app solution for selected Android phones. For Pogue, the point isn’t any rhapsodic affinity with radio. The appeal for him seems to be streaming audio that doesn’t eat into the phone’s data plan. We review the history of portable radio in the mobile digital era. Continue Reading