Tag: Spotify

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Spotify stops manufacturing Car Thing

Spotify stopped manufacturing its ‘Car Thing‘ vehicle accessory in a move that comes as a complete and total surprise that absolutely no one could have predicted.

Car Thing, for those unfamiliar, is a small smartphone-like accessory with a big dial stuck on it for navigating Spotify in the car. The thing is, most people who have Spotify also probably have a smartphone that they use Spotify on. And most people who have a car also likely have a way to play Spotify in that car, such as through a Bluetooth connection or the car’s built-in infotainment centre.

I may be in the minority here with a car so old it doesn’t have Bluetooth or an infotainment centre, and even I thought the Car Thing was useless (not that it was ever available in Canada).

As reported by The Verge, Spotify’s latest earnings release noted that its decision to stop manufacturing Car Thing “negatively impacted” its reported gross margin. Coincidentally, that line from the earnings release also happens to be Spotify’s announcement that it’s stopping production of the Car Thing.

Specifically, killing Car Thing cost the company €31 million (roughly $40.45 million CAD).

“The goal of Spotify’s Car Thing exploration was to better understand in-car listening, and bring audio to a wider range of users and vehicles. Based on several factors, including product demand and supply chain issues, we have decided to stop further production of Car Thing units. Existing devices will perform as intended. This initiative has unlocked helpful learnings, and we remain focused on the car as an important place for audio,” a Spotify spokesperson told TechCrunch.

For U.S. residents interested in scooping up a Car Thing before it’s gone for good can grab one for $49.99 USD (down from the regular $89.99 USD). Spotify hasn’t provided any detail about how long it will support Car Thing beyond telling TechCrunch that existing devices will “perform as intended.” With that said, you may want to save your money for a product that hasn’t just been canned.

Source: Spotify Via: The Verge, TechCrunch

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Spotify testing podcast creation tool in its mobile app

Spotify is testing a new tool that would allow anyone to record, edit, and publish podcasts right from the Spotify mobile app.

As reported by TechCrunch, Spotify introduced the feature in New Zealand in June. Outgoing Spotify executive Michael Mignano highlighted the launch on Twitter, noting it didn’t need “extra tools or hardware.” Mignano joined Spotify after it acquired podcast-making app Anchor in 2019.

Mignano’s tweet quoted another tweet from Spotify New Zealand with a video showing off the podcasting features. The feature is accessible through a ‘+’ button in the bottom-right corner of the Spotify app. Users will be able to tap it, then tap ‘Record podcast.’ There’s also a ‘Create playlist’ option.

The Record podcast option will take users to a landing screen where they can tap record to start making a podcast. The video says users will be able to record in one take, or pause recording to take breaks. Once finished recording, users will be able to edit their clips by trimming audio or adding background music from a list of preset tracks. Finally, users will be able to add a title, description, and tag another podcast or a song.

TechCrunch notes that it’s not clear if or when the podcast creation tool will roll out to other regions. Moreover, it’s not clear if podcast makers will get access to things like analytics.

Spotify has pushed hard into podcasts, spending over $1 billion USD (about $1.3 billion CAD) on podcasts over the last few years. Along with acquiring Anchor, Spotify has purchased podcast creation outlets and shows, notably spending big to make Joe Rogan’s show exclusive to the platform (something that later returned to haunt the company).

Part of that push was purchasing Anchor. It was a smart move for a company looking to make podcasts its next big thing. Anchor was a great way to get user-generated content, ultimately fleshing out Spotify’s podcast offerings with a ton of extra shows. However, if successful, this new podcast creation could very well spell the end for Anchor — why maintain an extra app when those features can be integrated into the main Spotify app.

TechCrunch also notes that Spotify previously tried a ‘Creat podcast’ button, but instead of an in-app solution, tapping the button prompted users to download Anchor.

Source: Spotify Via: TechCrunch

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Studio MDHR releases Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course soundtrack on YouTube

Ontario-based developers Studio MDHR have finally released Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course. As the long-awaited piece of DLC is now available, the studio is celebrating by releasing the entire soundtrack of new music on YouTube.

The official soundtrack for Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course spans just over an hour. It’s comprised of 30 tracks brought to life by Canadian composer Kristofer Maddigan. Studio MDHR and Maddigan previously collaborated on the core soundtrack of Cuphead.

Studio MDHR states that the soundtrack to Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course is comprised of over 110 musicians. For fans of the original Cuphead game, the new soundtrack features similar music drawing back to an era of jazz and ragtime. It features a mix of fast-paced tunes that accompany the many boss battles as well as some more laid-back tracks.

Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course was first announced in 2018. The new piece of DLC has launched across all PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC. Contributing writer Chris Brown states that the new content is “a must-play for fans of the original game.”

If you can’t get enough of the new Cuphead soundtrack and want an alternative way to listen, Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course’s soundtrack is also available on Spotify.

Image credit: Studio MDHR

Source: Studio MDHR

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Spotify is developing a new ‘Community’ tab on its mobile app

Spotify could be bringing a new Community section to the mobile app, telling users what their Facebook friends are listening to.

As first reported by Android Police, the feature has long been available on the web through the Friend Activity sidebar. The new feature will allow users to see what their friends are listening to in real-time and examine playlists that have been updated recently.

Product developer Chris Messina first spotted the feature. According to TechCrunch, the feature is not ready to be released any time soon and is in the early stages of development.

Those interested in testing the new feature can launch Safari on their iOS device, Android Police reports. But be warned, not all users have found success with this method, and users can’t access it through Chrome on an Android device.

It’s unclear when and even if the company will roll out the feature to its mobile customers.

Source: Android Police

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Spotify says its taking action on harmful content with new council

Spotify has created a new council known as the Spotify Safety Advisory Council that will develop policies to prevent dangerous speech on the streaming music platform.

The company says it will “evolve its policies and products in a safe way while making sure we respect creator expression.” Spotify will be working with a number of members and partner organizations that will represent the council and provide feedback.

In January 2022, Canadian artist Neil Young stated he did not want his songs on the same platform as UFC commentator/podcast host and former Fear Factor host, Joe Rogan.

Spotify took action by implementing a new tag that informs users on anything that is misinformed on a podcast, such as COVID-19-related topics, including Rogan’s podcast ‘The Joe Rogan Experience.’

The company also revamped its platform rules to make it easier to ban content that asserts dangerous misinformation.

Image Credit: Spotify

Sources: Spotify, Reuters

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Apple Music replacing some apps iPhone’s Dock when installed from App Store

It looks like Apple Music is replacing some apps (even third-party ones) on the iPhone’s Dock after it’s installed.

As first reported by MacRumors, several reports of the issue have appeared on Twitter and Reddit. In one instance, Twitter user Kevin Archer says that Apple Music is only replacing non-Apple apps. Still, TechCrunch says that’s not the case and that Apple Music takes over Apple’s own camera app and Safari in the dock.

Other reports state that Apple Music is automatically being set as the iPhone’s default music streaming platform when it’s installed, even if another app has already been set. The issue seems to affect iOS devices running 15.4.1 and earlier versions of iOS 15.

Though it would make sense to assume that this isn’t a bug and is an intentional move on Apple’s part, likely, that isn’t the case given the microscope the company is currently under regarding favouring its own apps.

That said, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney claims that when he installed Apple Music, Spotify was removed from the dock, stating that Apple has “rigged” iOS to favour its own apps in the Dock despite the random nature of the glitch.

Apple will likely solve this issue relatively quickly.

Source: @TimSweeneyEpic Via: MacRumors, TechCrunch

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Spotify Greenroom renamed ‘Spotify Live,’ now available in main app

Following last month’s report from Bloomberg, Spotify Greenroom is now called Spotify Live and is available in the main app. Starting now, the live audio conferencing service is fully integrated into the music streaming service.

According to Spotify, select original programming will be available on the platform. Independent creators that want to go live can still do so in the separate Spotify Live app.

Additionally, Spotify says it will highligh its top audio creators through exclusive programming in addition to the full slate of original programming that Spotify has already introduced.

Starting now, the live edition of Off the Record with DJ Akademiks will be available. On April 15th, the company is hosting a live DJ set from Swedish House Mafia as part of the group’s release party.

There are more events set for April and May. You’ll be able to tune in to live programming via the host’s podcast or artist page, and if you want to participate in the chat or join the host, you’ll need to head over to the Spotify Live app.

Spotify’s Clubhouse rival, originally dubbed Greenroom, launched last June.

The Swedish audio and media company isn’t the only platform to copy Clubhouse’s social audio functionality. For example, Twitter launched Twitter Spaces, Meta has Live Audio Rooms via Facebook, and LinkedIn, Reddit, and Discord also offer a similar feature.

Clubhouse reached more than 10 million users within a year of its launch.

Source: Spotify

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Spotify testing TikTok-like ‘Discover’ feed in Canada

Spotify officially launched a new TikTok-like music discovery feed in its app.

Dubbed ‘Discover,’ the feed rolled out in a limited beta test to Android and iOS users in Canada and other regions, including Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and the U.K. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, I didn’t have access to the new ‘Discover’ feature on either platform.

Users in the test can access the tool by tapping the new ‘Discover’ icon in the navigation bar (look for a new, fourth icon between the ‘Home’ and ‘Search’ buttons). Discover then shows a customized feed using Spotify’s ‘Canvas’ visual loops and plays a corresponding tune.

Those who like what they hear can follow the artist, add the song to a playlist, or share it on socials. The feed scrolls vertically, like TikTok — users can quickly move on to the next song if they don’t like what they hear.

Interestingly, Spotify will only offer up to 15 new recommendations per day, so those who use the feature won’t find themselves scrolling for long.

You can learn more about the Discover beta on Spotify’s blog here.

Image credit: Spotify

Source: Spotify Via: Engadget

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Spotify adds COVID disclosures to podcast and other content

Spotify is rolling out a COVID advisory tab on podcasts and other content whenever it mentions the coronavirus, according to CNBC. The music streaming app will show a blue tab that will direct users to a COVID-19 page to provide helpful information about the virus.

This comes after Spotify aired an episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” which spread misinformation about COVID-19. After a boycott due to this podcast, Spotify promised that it would add misinformation tags and a COVID information page. Two months later, the feature has finally come to fruition.

Spotify adding this feature is crucial. The streaming music platform bought the exclusive rights to the Joe Rogan podcast in 2020 in a deal worth more than $100 million USD (roughly $127 million CAD).

Following the acquisition, Rogan and Spotify have come under fire several times related to the spread of COVID-19-related misinformation on the show. Earlier this year, more than 270 doctors and other health care experts signed a joint letter condemning Spotify and Rogan for the COVID misinformation shared on the podcast.

Source: CNBC
Categories
Mobile Syrup

Spotify says it paid out $7 billion in royalties to artists in 2021

Streaming music platform Spotify says it paid $7 billion USD (roughly $8.7 billion CAD) in royalties to rights holders last year, according to the company’s latest transparency report on its ‘Loud & Clear‘ website.

This follows several reports that the music streaming giant continues to pay artists minuscule royalty amounts.

Here are a few notable facts from the report:

Spotify’s royalty payments went up $2 billion USD (about $2.5 billion CAD). This is an increase from $5 billion (about $6.2 billion CAD) last year.

The streaming service says that it pays rights holders like record labels and distributors, who then in turn, pay artists.

Spotify says that over 1,000 artists made more than $1 million USD (roughly $1.2 million CAD) through royalties on its platform

The streaming platform says that 28 percent (52,600) of artists that self-distribute on its platform and that do not have a record deal, earned over $10,000 (approximately $12,500 CAD). Further, 16,500 artists earned $50,000 (about $62,000 CAD) in royalties in 2021.

Like last year’s report, Spotify has also released a calculator where artists and fans can input a monthly listener count to compare their song streams to the rest of the platform.

Unsurprisingly, the entire report is extremely positive and neglects to mention the thousands of artists that aren’t pulling in a ton of cash every month. It’s also worth mentioning that these figures don’t include the final amount of money an artist receives after labels and publishers take their cuts.

Source: Spotify