RAIN Notes: May 5
— Acquisitive (Record Industry)
— Best of the New (Podchaser)
— Back in the fray (Bose)
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Bose
Bose unveils portable smart speaker with multiple software control options
Bose has introduced a new smart speaker with multiple options for connectivity and voice controls. The Portable Home Speaker can link to both wifi and Bluetooth, and it will support Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple’s AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect. Continue Reading
Bose adds Google Assistant support, unveils new smart speaker
Audio brand Bose has adding support for Google Assistant to its smart speakers and voice-controlled soundbars. The integration will begin in the United States with an automatic software update to its full device lineup. Continue Reading
Bose debuts audio augmented reality sunglasses
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
Bose and Harman Kardon prep new high-end smart speakers for fall launch
Two familiar names in audio engineering are throwing their hats into the premium smart speaker ring. Apple’s HomePod and the Sonos One are currently the two biggest contenders in the high-end audio space, but all signs point to this niche getting crowded fast. Continue Reading
Smart speakers aren’t about the devices. Voice is an ecosystem.
Voice is a platform, not a device, and will eventually exist everywhere. That perspective enlarges the stakes, and deepens the urgency, for all audio publishers to get up to speed with skills and content. Continue Reading
Bose is hiring a cloud music services exec; will it join the streaming sector?
Bose may be positioning itself to move beyond the hardware realm and add a listening service to its catalog. Hypebot has unearthed a job posting for a Senior User Experience Designer: Cloud Music Services at the respected sound company. The description calls for somebody who will “lead design and prototyping of our next generation streaming music platform and ecosystem of products.” According to the post, the ideal candidate would have work experience at one of the many streaming music companies dominating the digital airwaves. Continue Reading
Deezer adds another exclusive plan in U.S., this time with Bose
Deezer drew attention and skepticism last month for its choice to enter the U.S. market with a premium subscription plan offered exclusively through Sonos speakers. Now it’s added a plan with a lower price point, but it’s still not inexpensive to enjoy. Deezer’s service is now additionally available to listeners who have the Bose SoundLink speaker or SoundTouch WiFi speaker systems, at a reduced rate of $5 per month. Continue Reading
EU clears Apple/Beats deal, Bose adds twist with lawsuit over noise-canceling tech
The European Commission has cleared Apple’s purchase of Beats. The trade regulator determined that while both companies do have overlap in goods and services sold, they don’t have a strong enough joint presence in Europe to cause competition concerns. However, the news isn’t all good for Beats and its likely new owner. Continue Reading
Latest WiFi speaker to assault home radio — wait, it IS a radio
This is the season of wireless speakers. We have written recently about the Samsung Shape, the Bose SoundTouch, and the Sonos Play:1. Each one of these WiFi-enabled speakers can stream a music collection from a computer, and access whatever online… Continue Reading
Bose SoundTouch joins the radio-replacement movement
Mere days after Samsung launched its Wave WiFi-controlled speaker system (RAIN coverage here), with Pandora and TuneIn onboard as presets, Bose brings to market a similar product — but with differentiating features that more clearly position it, and the category,… Continue Reading