Google’s latest addition to the smart home speaker space has officially launched. The Google Home Max is now on store shelves both physical and digital. The launch draws Google’s smart speaker offerings closer in line to market-leader Amazon, although the Echo line is still leading in adoption. Continue Reading
Streaming services have explored many options to tease premium features to their free listeners. Pandora is new offering its ad-supported listeners and its mid-tier Pandora Plus listeners a chance to try out a Pandora Premium session in exchange for viewing a video ad. Continue Reading
iHeartRadio has entered a partnership with Jibo to launch Jibo Music. The music features have been added to the Jibo product, a cross between a voice-activated smart speaker and a cute robot. Jibo owners will automatically get access to iHeartRadio music through a software update beginning on Monday. Continue Reading
A report from Norway’s Dagens Naeringsliv claims that Tidal is in serious financial trouble. The article claims that company lost $44 million dollars before taxes in 2016 and says Tidal only has six months of cash left. It reportedly based the information on the accounts of parent company Project Panther Bidco. But is there any truth to it? Continue Reading
Voice controls aren’t just for smart speakers. Pew Research Center surveyed U.S. adults who use voice assistants and learned that 46% said they use the technology to interact with smartphones and other devices. The most common device was a smartphone, leading with 42% of respondents. Continue Reading
Amplifi Media CEO Steve Goldstein pens a follow-up to his investigation into the type of shows topping podcast charts. This time, it’s a look at which categories are the most crowded. Continue Reading
Triton Digital announced a partnership with 365 Digital, a digital publisher solutions business in South Africa. In the new deal, 365 Digital will leverage Triton’s a2x programmatic exchange and will promote its benefits to local publishers and advertisers in the country. Continue Reading
Brief news items and worthy reads from around the web. Podcasting is on the rise, and as with any hot concept, several startups have already emerged to fill specialized needs. Here’s a look at three newcomers: Descript, Backtracks, and Shortcut. Continue Reading
Deezer announced an expansion into Israel. The company’s free tier and its Premium+ options will be available at launch, as well as a Family plan. The company expects to roll out Deezer HiFi in the coming months. Continue Reading
Another audio creator is making a second leap to television. Night Vale Presents has carved out a niche in telling stories about the spooky and supernatural. FX is working with Sony Pictures Television to create a TV series based on the company’s fictional radio show Welcome to Night Vale. Continue Reading
Kevin Brown is departing Spotify, where he is head of artist and label services UK and international, at the end of the year. He first joined Spotify in 2013 and is one of the most senior industry-facing leaders at the company. During his tenure, Brown helped improve relationships between the company and artists. Continue Reading
Pandora has hired a new chief marketing officer. Aimée Lapic will step into the role beginning December 13. Lapic will spearhead digital, social, and mobile marketing initiatives for the online audio company, in addition to leading consumer brand strategy, market positioning, performance-based marketing, and partnership marketing for Pandora. Continue Reading