Research firm Canalys has released a new report with projections for smart speaker sales this year. It anticipates that the global install base for the product category will increase 82.4% from 114 million units in 2018 to 207.9 million units in 2019. The company forecast that smart speakers would have a larger audience than tablets by 2021. Continue Reading
Several streaming services drew the ire of songwriting groups when they moved to appeal the mechanical royalty rates set by the Copyright Royalty Board. Although Amazon, Google, and Pandora are also participating in the appeal, Spotify has been shouldering the bulk of the critique. Continue Reading
Voicebot.ai has released a new report about the smart speaker market in Australia. The nation is now in the early majority stage of smart speaker adoption, reaching a similar point as the U.S., yet on a faster pace. The country’s hardware user base relative to population is now greater than the United States. Continue Reading
The Infinite Dial always provides a snapshot of how Americans consume audio, and as more of the country shifts to streaming models, that has created tighter competition across those platforms to be the music provider of choice. With several companies expanding their content offerings to be more than just music, and with big bucks on the line in potential acquisitions, where people listen has become an even more impactful choice in 2019. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s International Radio Trends is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Two complicated stories top the newsletter this week, one about linking to audio Australia and one about big cuts at Global in the UK. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s International Radio Trends is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Triton Digital’s webcast metrics, hurdles to radio on smart speakers, a station for Polish-speaking truck drivers, and much more appear in this week’s edition. Continue Reading
A German startup received a funding round to support its development of a voice assistant focused on use in cars. German Autolabs secured €7 million for its work on the AI dubbed Chris, which launched in Europe late in 2018. Drivers can use Chris to operate Android phones behind the wheel, with support for messaging, navigation, calls, and music commands. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s International Radio Trends is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Several big developments in audio, including in the UK with Bauer, and an international deal with Spotify’s double dose of podcast acquisitions. Continue Reading
Despite a few early experiments, augmented reality glasses have mostly remained the stuff of science fiction. But Bose is making its own attempt to enter this space with the launch of Frames glasses in the U.S. The audio-focused sunglasses contain speakers in the frame and microphones near each temple. Continue Reading
One week after CES, Steve attended a conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The subject? Amazon Echo and how people will respond to and use the technology. Continue Reading
Digital audio advertising solutions company Audio.ad has released its Digital Audio in the US Hispanic Market 2019 report. The research, performed by consumer intelligence company qriously, sketches the broad strokes of a highly engaged listening population. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s International Radio Trends is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: James takes a deep dive on the BBC and Fortunately. Other updates on audio come from France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and more. Continue Reading