Google has unveiled a new free version of its Google Play Music streaming service. This ad-supported tier will offer a more limited lean-back experience compared with the paid subscription to its platform. The free level offers curated playlists designed to pair with specific genres, moods, or activities. It is rolling out first on Android and web, with an iOS update due soon. Continue Reading
Sponsored by AudioBoom
The weekly update of the streaming audio industry, from RAIN News. THIS WEEK: Is Spotify positioning? Internet radio makes more money; DI.fm crosses over a fence; Google’s classical venture; Obama on a podcast Continue Reading
Google Play Music, and its subscription streaming component All Access, have partnered with a handful of world-class orchestras to package and digitally release symphonic albums. Nice idea. Note to Google: Get the details right. Continue Reading
Android Auto is making its first appearance in new car models this week. The system will debut in the 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Although this is marks Android Auto’s launch in new cars, it became available as an after-market product through select Pioneer models beginning in March. Continue Reading
The RIAA and the BPI have issued their 200 millionth URL takedown request to Google. The RIAA has submitted 19,569 total requests and the BPI has made 295,730. These requests seek to remove pirated content from the web. The two record industry organizations for the U.S. and UK, respectively, have been pushing for the tech company to adopt stricter measures to prevent this type of music piracy. Continue Reading
The Download on Podcasts is a weekly feature sponsored by PodcastOne.
What’s the problem? Lack of a native podcast app, as Apple provides in iPhones. That void makes podcast discovery, organization, and listening more difficult and less at-hand. Continue Reading
Google appears to be preparing a new YouTube feature called YouTube Radio. The description matches an existing YouTube Music experience called YouTube Mix. The new feature might be a subtle tweak, or a key new YouTube experience. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Pandora to livestream Jack White show; Google infographic gives EDM education. Continue Reading
On Thursday, Zenbu Magazines filed multiple proposed class-action lawsuits against several streaming services seeking to collect royalties on music recorded before 1972. The company targeted Beats Electronics, Sony Entertainment, Google, Rdio, Songza, Slacker, and Escape Media Group (which owns Grooveshark) in the complaints. Continue Reading
A Google Chrome browser extension called Streamus is lit up with buzz after the developer posted a promotional status report on Reddit. Streamuis makes YouTube music navigation easier and more lightweight. At the same time, the extension separates the user from YouTube, and provides some of the value that YouTube’s new Music Key subscription service promotes. Continue Reading
Automaker Hyundai is planning its 2016 digital dashboards, and issued a press release with some details. The system is called Display Audio, and comes in Google and Apple flavors. It is plug-and-play, where the driver connects a smartphone to the dashboard with a USB cable. The CD player has been eliminated. Continue Reading
AT&T has thrown its hat into the auto technology ring with the announcement of its own connected car platform. AT&T Drive is designed to be a modular solution where car manufacturers can pick and choose the features they want. HQ’d in a 5,000-square-foot research center, AT&T Drive joins Google, Apple. Microsoft, and QNX in a crowded space. Continue Reading