Google has officially launched its Android Auto connected car solution in the U.S., the UK, and Australia. It is available to drivers who have both a second generation Networked Entertainment eXperience, or NEX, in-dash multimedia receiver from Pioneer. The aftermarket digital dashboard must be partnered with a smartphone running the Android 5.0, or Lollipop, operating system. Continue Reading
In what will likely be one of its last moves as their owner, Aspiro has combined hi-res streaming services WiMP and Tidal into a single entity. Both platforms will operate under the same Tidal brand name. Tidal and WiMP services were initially owned by Aspiro, but in recent weeks the platforms were purchased by rap and business icon Jay-Z. Continue Reading
Spotify has hired Seth Farbman to serve the streaming service in a top marketing position starting April 6. His experience will likely be focused on growing Spotify’s audience of listeners and guiding the company’s general service marketing. Farbman most recently worked at clothing retailer Gap, where he joined as its first global CMO in 2011. Continue Reading
Guest columnist James Cridland Weekly Links, a new column on RAIN News. THIS WEEK: Notes from Radiodays Europe, the importance of radio personalities, and much more. Continue Reading
Mobile app developer jācapps announced that its v4 platform has been certified by Nielsen for digital audio measurement. The new measurement system is available to Nielsen radio clients on the jācapps v4 platform, and will generate ratings congruent with Nielsen’s on-air measurement. Continue Reading
Guest columnist Larry Rosin reveals new, previously-unreleased information from The Infinite Dial 2015 — which age demographic listens to podcasts the most? Continue Reading
Podcast platform Spreaker announced the launch of its Spreaker Studio app on iOS. The Studio app is centered on the production side of podcasting. It features a web-based mixing console, a sound effects library, and live audio broadcasting. Continue Reading
Hungama, one of India’s home-grown streaming services, is looking to raise more than $100 million. The company is reportedly in negotiations with Intel Capital and Bessemer Venture Partners, both of which have been involved in previous Hungama investments. Continue Reading
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THIS WEEK: Streaming surpasses CD sales in 2014 RIAA report; iTunes Radio goes to programmatic sales; Rdio’s new social features; Rhapsody plays on Twitter; BBC seeks to reinvent radio. Continue Reading
Broadcast attorney David Oxenford digs into the Songwriter Equity Act in this comprehensive analysis of proposed legislation. “This is perhaps one of those questions that can never be answered — which is more important, the song or the singer?” Continue Reading
RAIN News founding editor Kurt Hanson traveled to Milan for Radiodays Europe 2015. This bulletin covers highlights of Tuesday’s sessions. Continue Reading
Starting today, Apple is making digital ad buying easier and more targeted for marketers in iTunes Radio, the company’s non-interactive online radio service. One of the first outside partners to offer iTunes Radio to buyers is AdsWizz. iTunes Radio inventory is now available on AdWave, the company’s global audio ad marketplace. Continue Reading