MusicWatch has released its new annual study into piracy in the United States, and found that stream-ripping remains a major issue in the country. The report estimated that the U.S. had 17 million stream-rippers in 2018, a rise from 15 million in 2017. Continue Reading
Amazon released a new version of its display smart speaker as well as new privacy updates to its Alexa voice assistant. On the hardware side, the company launched the Echo Show 5. Amazon Alexa has also received new updates to reflect other privacy concerns. Continue Reading
Podcast company Acast has partnered with Headliner. This arrangement will add the ability for podcasters to create audiograms from the Acast Create dashboard for sharing to social media networks. Continue Reading
PodcastOne has added four new shows to its lineup this spring. The podcasts include a range of topics and notable celebrity or expert hosts. Continue Reading
Backtracks has raised a seed round in support of its work to provide podcasters with listener metrics. The Austin-based startup secured $2.1 million in a round led by Moonshots Capital. Continue Reading
The RIAA has been doggedly continuing its legal fight against piracy, and has made progress in identifying the operators of stream-ripping sites. The trade group recently collaborated with Music Canada and the IFPI to force illegal file-hosting service DBR.ee offline. Continue Reading
A Radionomy internet radio producer sent us a communication from the hosting company, indicating that Radionomy will shut down U.S. streaming on its platform at the end of May (this week). In the announcement is an offer to migrate stations to Shoutcast for Business. Continue Reading
Radio anchor Anna Maria Tremonti will take on new podcast projects for the CBC, ending her tenure as host of The Current on CBC Radio One. The Canadian broadcaster announced that she will spearhead new original shows beginning with an interview program this fall. Continue Reading
Smart speakers present a potentially valuable new option for music services to reach listeners. The space poses a particular interest for tech firms operating in both hardware and software, since they can create brand loyalty within audiences who will buy their devices and then continue to provide revenue as subscription listeners. Continue Reading
The classic iPod may be a thing of the past, but Apple hasn’t completely ended the product line just yet. The company released a new version of its iPod Touch yesterday, adding several features to what was once a purely music playback device. Continue Reading
The Infinite Dial study is continuing to spread its international footprint. Edison Research announced that the survey will be conducted for the first time in South Africa this year. The results are slated to be presented in late August or early September. Continue Reading
Podtrac has published its podcast ranker for April 2019. The Daily from The New York Times continues its dominance on this chart for another month, followed by perennial favorite This American Life in the second position. Continue Reading