TagStation’s CES review shows new focus on cars

TagStation, the industry-facing part of the NextRadio consumer mobile app, shared its wrap-up from this year’s CES, and the focus for the company this year was cars. It kicked off the event by announcing the launch of a car listening platform that showcases the interactive features of NextRadio. This joint project by TagStation and iBiquity looks to straddle several approaches to the connected car by blending online offerings with HD radio and the more traditional analog radio. Continue Reading

Philips Spotify speakers offer multi-room streaming

Philips announced the launch of multi-room speakers designed specifically to stream music from Spotify. The Philips Spotify speakers use Spotify Connect to control the music from within the Spotify app on a mobile device. Just press the Spotify button on any of the speakers and the stream should immediately transfer over. Continue Reading

Qualcomm announces rollout of AllPlay’s universal at-home streaming

Qualcomm AllPlay is refreshing its existing product with a commercial rollout, the company announced at CES. Several new music partners, including SoundCloud and Tidal, will be supported on the wireless streaming service, joining iHeartRadio, Rhapsody/Napster, and SomaFM. Qualcomm is attempting to reduce home-listening silos with this open-source solution to remote streaming. Continue Reading

LG to challenge Sonos with low prices for Music Flow speakers

LG announced its foray into WiFi speakers with the Music Flow suite of products. The company will sell three speakers, three upgraded sound bars, and a portable, battery-powered speaker under this brand. The Music Flow speakers will support the new audio-only Google Cast software, which brings in several music services. LG also has product partnerships with iHeartRadio, Rhapsody, Spotify, and TuneIn. Continue Reading

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Editor’s Notebook: From digital dashboard to self-driving cars

by Brad Hill

The digital dashboard is a gold-rush scramble for territory. But what if there were no dashboard at all? Autonomous (self-driving) cars are rolling toward us, and will be on the road sooner or later. How will audio competition be shaped when the car is a WiFi-connected living room? Continue Reading