The Verge reveals that an Amazon exec (Dave Limp, SVP Devices and Services) disclosed to that publication that over 100-million devices with the Alexa voice-control system have been sold. naturally that includes Echo devices, the Alexa flagships, plus other brands such… Continue Reading
France-based RadioKing, a streaming internet radio platform, has announced its launch of an Alexa skill development program. the idea is to offer stations (broadcast and pureplay internet) a turnkey entrance to voice control on the Amazon Alexa ecosystem of devices. Continue Reading
Drive Time Metrics (DTM), a connected car tech startup, announced that it has been awarded a patent for its core technology which collects, measures, and analyzes in-car media use. After four years in process, the patent positions DTM to provide a key measurements and in-car audience behavior insights to audio publishers such as broadcast radio and music services. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web. Alexa skill numbers continue to explode. Ear Hustle host’s sentence is commuted. More on Hollywood’s podcast fascination. Continue Reading
MIDiA Research has a new report examining YouTube’s impact on the international streaming market. Its assessment shares statistics from the video platform in Q3 2018 and shares insights as to how the recent legislation passed in Europe could have unintended effects on the music industry as a whole. Continue Reading
Presenting RAIN’s 6th annual Predictions feature, provided by industry leaders around the world. 2019 will carry forward the audio industry’s reputation for ongoing, disruptive change. Continue Reading
Spotify has been making an effort to make podcasts a more visible part of its entertainment offerings, and a new job listing hints at what might be next for its strategy. The streaming service is hiring for the role of Senior Product Manager – Podcast Advertising. This post will be spearheading the development of native audio advertising for Spotify. Continue Reading
Music festival Coachella has expanded its partnership with YouTube. This year, the April event will have both of its weekends streamed live to the video platform. YouTube will host artist vignettes and behind-the-scenes videos alongside a curated selection of the live performances. Continue Reading
BuzzAngle Music has released its 2018 report on the U.S. music market. The analysis showed 16.2% in total album consumption during the year compared with 2017, while total song consumption rose 27.4%. On-demand streams in 2018 totaled 809.5 billion, including 534.6 billion audio streams. Continue Reading
Anna Washenko (RAIN News editor) and Brad Hill (RAIN president) offer a few points of outlook for 2019. On Friday, January 4, watch for the annual RAIN News 2019 Predictions from participating industry leaders. Continue Reading
The UK posted a rise of nearly 6% in music consumption during 2018 on the back of more growth in streaming, according to data from BPI and the Official Charts Company. Total music consumption for the year — including purchases, downloads, and streams — was 142.9 million albums and album equivalents. Continue Reading
Hetal Patel is returning to iHeartMedia for a role as executive vice president of SmartAudio Intelligence Insights. In this position, Patel will head the team creating research and insights to shape iHeartMedia’s value proposition. Continue Reading