App Annie released its 2015 Retrospective report, and as usual, it has some pointed insights into both the mobile and mobile music markets. Spotify took the crown for revenue and users worldwide, but there are several countries where more localized streaming services had the most participation. Continue Reading
BandPage has embarked on a tighter integration with Rhapsody that focuses on promoting live shows. Through this partnership, Rhapsody will begin offering its listeners push notifications about upcoming concerts from their preferred artists. Continue Reading
South Korean tech and mobile conglomerate Kakao has assumed ownership of MelOn, the country’s top streaming and downloaded music provider. Buying out the 76.4% stake in parent company Loen Entertainment for 1.87 trillion won (about $1.55 billion) adds an entertainment facet to Kakao’s diverse holdings. Continue Reading
We have seen increased interest among mobile service providers in letting customers use select platforms without charging their data plans. Virgin Mobile and Verizon are both making inroads into the space, but there has been skepticism about how the carriers may go about securing those partnerships. Continue Reading
App Annie has released a report on the top mobile music apps for the third quarter of 2015. Spotify topped the charts for worldwide active users, revenue, and downloads on both iOS and Android platforms. Several of the combined charts showed a heavy international bent, featuring apps based in South Korea and India rising through the ranks to land in the top 10. Continue Reading
Rhapsody released a new car-focused feature for its premium subscribers. Rhapsody AUTO offers drivers more streamlined access to their music on their phones while in vehicles. This update is one way that music and mobile companies are adjusting to how people treat entertainment in their cars. Continue Reading
NextRadio announced a partnership with BLU, a manufacturer of unlocked Android and Windows phones that can be used with different carriers, or as prepaid phones using BLU’s coverage network. Starting in 2016, NextRadio will be the native FM tuner for all Android devices made by the company. Continue Reading
T-Mobile has expanded its data-free music listening to customers on MetroPCS, its prepaid brand. Subscribers on certain plans can listen to 33 music services without the streaming counting against their high-speed data stores with this Music Unlimited program. Continue Reading
Deezer has entered a partnership with Three UK, a mobile carrier. Through this deal, customers of the UK telecom will get free access to Deezer Premium+ for six months. The bundled subscriptions will include exclusive playlists, content, and events just for the Three UK network. Continue Reading
Radio stations can now get into NextRadio more easily. TagStation, that back end of the consumer-facing NextRadio app, has altered its pricing charged to radio stations for access to NextRadio program enhancement tools. The company is also providing providing “content acceleration” teams to support stations. Continue Reading
Spreaker has debuted a radio-like mobile app for podcasts. Spreaker Podcast Radio launched today on Android phones and tablets today, with a rollout to iOS projected for the spring of 2016. Continue Reading
iHeartMedia announced the launch of a new standalone app called iHeartRadio Family. This new property targets families with children aged 4 to 11, with kid-friendly music from today’s pop performers and from the stars of shows on Nickelodeon, Disney, and PBS. Continue Reading