Amazon Music’s free tier arrives on its Android, iOS, FireTV, and web apps
Amazon Music’s free tier is now rolling out to its Android, iOS, FireTV, and web apps. Originally announced earlier this year, the free tier doesn’t offer on-demand access to its music library, but instead limits listeners to a selection of curated playlists and stations.
Spotify’s free tier now works on Sonos, just in time for Black Friday
With a new software update, Sonos is making it possible to stream Spotify's free, ad-supported tier on Sonos devices using the Sonos app. Previously, the only way to do that was to use Spotify Connect from the Spotify app. The free tier will also work with Google Assistant, but for now, Alexa isn't compatible.
Elon Musk says he’s ‘not sure about Twitter’ and is ‘going offline’
Tesla founder Elon Musk is “going offline,” or at least that’s what he posted online. On Friday morning. Musk tweeted “Not sure about good of Twitter” followed by “Reddit still seems good,” and then finally “Going offline.”
Apple may debut over-ear headphones with advanced noise cancellation
The internet is awash with rumors claiming that Apple is working on a set of high-end, over-ear headphones, and there's a (50/50?) chance we could see them unveiled at the company's event at its Cupertino, California headquarters on September 10. Here's everything you need to know about them.
Amazon Music Unlimited is fastest growing music streaming service, report says
Amazon Music Unlimited is the fastest growing music streaming service, ahead of both Spotify and Apple Music, according to a new report by Midia Research published in the Financial Times. Amazon Music Unlimited has been booming recently, with a massive 70% growth in the last year.
Radiohead releases 18 hours of material to torpedo hacker’s ransom demand
A hacker who stole 18 hours' worth of unreleased Radiohead recordings was reportedly demanding $150,000 in exchange for its return. But to scupper the scam — and to offer something unexpected to fans — the band decided to release the material, with the proceeds going to a climate-action cause.
Walmart drops price on this LG wireless portable Bluetooth speaker
Rather than settle for the audio from the weak speakers in most mobile devices, connect to a high-quality portable Bluetooth stereo speaker to elevate your listening engagement and enjoyment. Walmart dropped the price of the LG Music Flow 20-watt portable Bluetooth speaker in time for Father's Day gift shopping.
B&H bundles Bose SoundTouch 10 and Amazon Echo Dot in smart speaker deal
Smart speakers are everywhere these days, but some smaller models struggle with sound quality. B&H now offers the best of both worlds, bundling the compact Amazon Echo Dot and the euphonious Bose SoundTouch 10 Wireless Music System together for a great price.
Amazon’s unheard-of price cut on Klipsch R5 Neckband earbuds is for today only
Saturday only, Amazon has reduced the price of the comfortable and great-looking Klipsch R5 by 58%, saving lucky buyers $69. Whether you're buying a gift for Father's Day, a graduation present, a late Mother's Day present, or upgrading for yourself, don't wait because this deal ends at 11:59 P.M. PST.
Google has 15 million subscribers for its music-streaming services
Google is chasing its competitors in the world of music streaming services, according to subscriber numbers. It is the fourth largest paid music streaming service. Google's two paid music services, YouTube Music and Google Play Music, have reportedly passed a total of 15 million subscribers.
Pandora to start testing A.I.-powered interactive voice ads
If you spot someone in the street talking to ads on Pandora in the coming months, then no, you’re not going mad. It's part of a trial by the music streaming service that will use interactive voice ads to encourage responses from listeners so brands can learn what elements of a product they’re most interested in.
Donald Glover is (somehow) first rapper to win a Grammy for Song Of The Year
Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino) has become the first hip-hop artist to win Song Of The Year, winning the honor alongside two songwriting partners for his hit single 'This Is America'. It's an award that had eluded countless other popular rap artists for decades.
Spotify could terminate accounts of listeners using ad blockers
Bad news for those who use an ad blocker to get rid of annoying ads on Spotify -- the company has updated its Terms of Service to explicitly ban ad blockers. There are potentially serious consequences in place for users found circumventing the rules, including suspending or terminating your account.
Apple will reportedly launch over-ear headphones as soon as second half of 2019
Apple will reportedly launch its long-rumored over-ear headphones as soon as the second half of 2019, following up on previous reports on the accessories. The headphones will feature Apple -- not Beats -- branding, and are expected to carry some of the technology found in the AirPods.
Fender’s Acoustasonic guitar uses advanced tech to become a tonal chameleon
From shredding distortion to a soft and supple fingerstyle, Fender's latest guitar innovation is an acoustic/electric hybrid that allows guitar players to dial in the widest possible range of tones, making it a compelling new option for those with a wide range of musical inspirations.
Tidal faces legal jeopardy over fake stream numbers accusation
In another challenging chapter for music subscription service Tidal, Norwegian authorities have begun a formal investigation into charges that the company faked millions of streams for artists such as Kanye West and Beyoncé. Several former employees are being questioned over the matter.
Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ becomes the most-streamed 20th-century song
Queen's iconic Bohemian Rhapsody has become the most-streamed 20th-century song. Knocking Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit off the top spot, the British band's 1975 classic has now been streamed more than 1.6 billion times globally. Its popularity was given a boost by the recently released Queen biopic.
Apple Music may sign up more exclusive artists with purchase of Platoon
Apple purchased London-based Platoon, a startup that provides funding to help independent musicians get discovered by major labels. The acquisition may help Apple Music sign up more exclusive artists to the service, which will give it an advantage over rivals like Spotify and Pandora.
Brian Eno sets out to change music (again) with Bloom: 10 World
We always saw Bloom as musical system that could be developed further, Brian Eno says. We’d built a CD player and only released one CD. For Bloom: 10 Worlds, we’ve created ten new worlds, reimagined the app, added new shapes, colors and sounds, while quietly tinkering away with the rules behind the scenes.
It’s about damn time: Spotify is now on Apple Watch
Spotify subscribers will are now able to jam out to their favorite tunes on their favorite workout accessory, as the Swedish streaming service has offically released the first version of its official Apple Watch app. Users can play and pause music, and use popular Spotify Connect features.
Rapper Mac Miller died of accidental overdose, autopsy report finds
According to an autopsy report, rapper Mac Miller died September 7 of an accidental drug overdose involving the combination of cocaine and fentanyl -- the super-strength opiate that previously claimed the lives of Prince, Tom Petty, and others. Miller was slated to begin a tour in support of the album in October.
Spotify and Hulu add Showtime to $5-per-month college student plan
Spotify and Hulu have extended their popular $5-per-month student bundle to include acclaimed premium cable channel Showtime, offering those attending an accredited college or university one of the best deals on the internet, and providing them with a new and exciting way to spend their time between classes.
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Edge is the wireless home speaker you won’t want to hide
Bang & Olufsen unleashed a looker of a wireless home speaker at IFA 2018 today, the Beosound Edge. Its deceivingly simple design is outdone only by its sound quality, and you're going to want to have a look and listen. Read our full impression here for all the details.
Watch this world champion air guitarist stun judges with her unique performance
Japanese air guitarist sensation Nanami "Seven Seas" Nagura blew away the competition with a stunning display at the Air Guitar World Championships at the weekend. Nagura secured her second world title in four years after near-perfect scores from judges that helped her see off 14 international rivals.
The Eagles tell Michael Jackson to beat it as they claim single-album sales title
California-based rock 'n' roll icons The Eagles have finally surpassed King of Pop Michael Jackson for the all-time single-album sales title. Their ubiquitous, blue-covered Greatest Hits album recently surpassed Jackson's Thriller as the single best-selling record ever made.
Say a little prayer for Aretha Franklin: Iconic soul singer passes away at 76
Iconic soul singer Aretha Franklin has passed away at age 76. Considered among the most powerful voices of her generation, Franklin inspired millions with compelling songs about respect, prayer, and love, becoming one of the most important musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries in the process.
Spotify may eventually allow free users to skip all ads
Spotify is rolling out a new feature that may allow free users to skip ads whenever they want. Currently, the test is being conducted in Australia but, if successful, it may be spread to other countries. Spotify believes users will only skip ads that are not of interest to them.
Google gives YouTube Music a makeover with new features
Google is committed to a two-week patch cycle intended to bring improvements to YouTube Music. First among these changes is an improved UI, YouTube Music users will also be getting several new options when it comes to downloading, streaming, and storing their music.
Spotify hits 83 million paid users as the race with Apple Music rocks on
As Apple Music continues to gain ground in the music streaming industry, Spotify is charging ahead in hopes of staving off the iEmpire's relentless onslaught. On July 26, it seemed as though the Swedish service just may have succeeded. The company says it has reached 83 million paid subscribers.
Death Cab for Cutie’s new single ‘Gold Rush’ takes on the rise of Amazon
The Seattle band Death Cab for Cutie has a new album on the way in August, and the first single Gold Rush ponders some of the downsides of luring a tech giant like Amazon to the city and the neighborhoods you've grown to love.
Amazon’s having a hush-hush sale on select Bose audio products
Amazon has discounted select Bose audio products. The discounts vary, but short-term deals are available for Bose wireless headphones and in-ear headphones, Bluetooth speakers, home theater systems, and TV sound systems. Quantities may be limited. Be sure to check connector compatibility with your devices.
The Firefly wireless earbuds give you 2 hours of music for 10 minutes of charge
Meet Firefly, a pair of earbuds that promise premium Graphene sound, an ambient sound feature that actually allows some outside noise to come in to help you remain aware of your surroundings, 16 hours of playtime, and most importantly, fast charging capabilities. They're now seeking funding on Kickstarter.
Apple Music updates make it a whole lot easier for you to find album release dates
Apple Music is rolling out a few updates that ought to improve the user experience. There's a new "Coming Soon" section, which will allow you to see upcoming albums that are slated to be released in the coming weeks. The new feature is available on both the iOS and macOS version of Apple Music.
Spotify admits fault, will work with civil rights groups on Hate Content policy
Weeks ago, Spotify removed several artists from promoted playlists under the new Hate Content policy. Now, following backlash from Kendrick Lamar and others, CEO Daniel Ek admitted fault and said the company is currently working on a new policy with civil rights activists.