Quick Hits: Database debates; Carpool Karaoke; iHeart and General Motors; Spotify on Xbox

Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web:

New chapters in the licensing database saga: Many companies, including insiders and outsiders of the music industry, have launched efforts to create comprehensive databases for managing rights and royalties. Billboard charts the latest chapter in this saga, including the critical reaction to ASCAP and BMI’s announcement of their own database project. Responses included news that the RIAA and NMPA are developing their own version of a licensing database. It’s a must-read for anybody invested in seeing this gnarly issue unravelled.

Apple’s original programming begins with Carpool Karaoke: The Los Angeles Times profiled Apple’s plans for the Carpool Karaoke spinoff. “It’s a natural extension to the customers and subscribers that we do have and keeping them coming to Apple Music even more often for more things,” Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet software and services, told the paper. “For other folks who may not have tried it, this may be the thing to bring them to try it out.”

iHeartRadio’s latest in-car collaboration: iHeartRadio has launched its app for General Motors vehicles. The audio company’s services will be available in a driver-safe version for select 2018 models of Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles. Features for the in-car app include immediate access to playback history and creation of custom artist stations. The app is designed for minimal driver distractions and an easy, streamlined interface.

Spotify Xbox app reportedly in the works: Finally, another platform launch. Spotify is reportedly working on an Xbox One app. The streaming platform has been working with PlayStation for two years, serving as the exclusive partner for music on Sony’s rival console. Reddit first found some images of a Spotify app being tested on the Microsoft console, and sources told The Verge that the app is undergoing internal testing.

Anna Washenko