A streaming music app co-owned by Sony Music and Universal Music is adding a free tier. The labels operate NOW That’s What I Call Music! brand, which includes the NOW Music app for both iOS and Android mobile devices in the UK. The app now offers a free, ad-supported counterpart to its usual mid-tier subscription of £4.99 per month. Continue Reading
The BBC has launched its new mobile app, an effort to unite its programming in a package that will be more appealing to younger listeners. BBC Sounds, which was previewed by the broadcaster this summer, contains 80,000 hours of live and on-demand content. Continue Reading
Spotify announced some minor updates to its Premium experience on mobile. Navigation is simplified, and finding content is more personalized. The updates begin rolling out globally across iOS and Android apps today. Continue Reading
Pandora and T-Mobile are partnering for a limited-time streaming music subscription deal. On August 28, customers of the mobile company can sign up for a full year of free access to Pandora Plus as part of its T-Mobile Tuesdays promotions. Continue Reading
TagStation has entered into a new partnership with LG Electronics MobileComm that will see the manufacturer unlocking FM chips in its smartphones. This move means that owners of LG phones will be able to listen to live, local radio on the devices. Continue Reading
PodcastOne has launched a new mobile app that includes interactive features in social and video alongside its audio programming. Listeners can tune into their shows and engage with them in new ways, such as viewing behind-the-scenes photos, taking polls, and messaging other fans. The app also introduces a virtual currency for its loyalty program. Continue Reading
Market forecaster BIA/Kelsey released its updated report on 2017 U.S. local ad revenues with mid-year data. So far, the forecast projects that revenue from mobile will edge out local radio from the top five media sources this year. Mobile is projected to see an 11% share with revenue of $16 billion, pushing the source into the top five in a tie with newspapers. Local radio dropped to sixth with $15.6 billion in revenue. Continue Reading
AdExchanger profiled Shazam and its use of mobile advertising. The identification app has shifted from a business model of affiliate iTunes links to one centered on advertising. Chief Revenue Officer Greg Glenday said that half of Shazam’s inventory is sold programmatically across both private and open exchanges. It also works directly with some clients for more involved, custom campaigns. Continue Reading
Spotify appears to be testing out a new driving mode, designed for listeners who are behind the wheel. A few of the people with access to the feature posted about their experience on Reddit. Several streaming platforms and music specialists have explored the idea of special modes for car usage. Continue Reading
At WWDC last month, Apple did announce plans to add a new social layer to its streaming music platform. The company’s previous efforts to add connection features in the app have been shaky at best. But Apple Insider has posted some screenshots from the beta of iOS 11 showing the social tools in action, and so far it seems like a more manageable and less obtrusive implementation. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web: Stationhead blends playlists and radio. Gig.fm for music livestreaming. MUSO secures financing. Continue Reading
Today marks the start of VidCon, the online video convention that brings together creators, industry representations, and fans of the still-exploding media format. The event is usually a chance for YouTube to announce new features or new statistics, and this year it has done both. Continue Reading