AirKast worked with Microsoft to create skills for the tech giant’s Cortana voice-controlled assistant on the Harman Kardon Invoke speaker. Invoke is one of the first smart speakers to feature Cortana as the primary AI platform. Continue Reading
Apple has delayed the launch of its HomePod smart speaker. The device, which enters the same space as Amazon’s Echo line and the Google Home, will not roll out until early 2018. Continue Reading
James Cridland’s Future of Radio is a column by the Australia-based radio futurologist. THIS WEEK: Two major labels’ UK arms have sued TuneIn. Research into “super listeners” of podcasts. Continue Reading
Nielsen has released its Total Audience Report for Q2 2017. The analysis included a spotlight on AM/FM radio consumption. Most of radio’s consumption happens out of the home while listeners are working or shopping. Radio secured 1 hour, 50 minutes of average time spent in the second quarter for the average U.S. adult. Continue Reading
StreamGuys, Jacobs Media Strategies, and jacapps collaborated on a webinar with pertinent data and advice about streaming for radio broadcasters. The presentation began with audience survey data from Jacobs’ TechSurvey 13. The survey showed a steady trend of traditional platforms in a gradual decline since TechSurvey 9 as digital platforms have been on a slow and steady rise. Continue Reading
Universal Music Group has posted streaming revenue of €1.44 billion ($1.6 billion) in the first nine months of 2017, up 40.8% over the same period. In just the third quarter, the label’s streaming revenue reached €481 million ($535 million). Continue Reading
XAPPmedia launched a custom Alexa skill for Jazz FM. The debut makes Jazz FM the first UK radio station to roll out a custom Alexa skill. The station’s voice command has also launched in the U.S. and in India. Continue Reading
Spotify has acquired Soundtrap, an online music studio that lets people collaborate on music creation in real time. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Soundtrap’s service will continue to be available. Continue Reading
The Music Business Association (Music Biz) hosted a webinar to share data into smart speaker ownership. Of the more than 3,000 U.S. participants in its September music consumption survey by AudienceNet/LOOP, 10% said they owned an Amazon Echo and 3% owned a Google Home. The results shows a strong correlation between smart speaker ownership and use of the device for music consumption. Continue Reading
Public media video app VuHaus has added another Chicago station to its roster of affiliates. Vocalo Radio 91.1 is an urban alternative station with programming in hip-hop, R&B, dance, and DJ culture. It is a sister station to Chicago public media station WBEZ 91.5, and is the inaugural Chicago source to join VuHaus. Continue Reading
A new startup called UnitedMasters is looking to drive a wedge into the entrenched dominance of the major label system. Former Interscope exec Steve Stoute founded UnitedMasters, which bills itself as a specialist in digital music distribution, marketing, and insights. Continue Reading
Podtrac has published its ranking of the top podcasts in October 2017, a month with an unusual amount of shuffling among the most popular shows. Three podcasts joined the list for the first time, while the rest of the ranking included the same shows as in September. Continue Reading