In its current form, Spotify offers free ad-supported access to its music library. These advertisements are short but cannot be skipped, forcing users to sit through a brief clip before their music returns. The company is testing a major change to the way that system work, allowing users in Australia to skip as many advertisements as they want without any limitations.
As first revealed earlier this year, music streaming service Pandora is tackling podcast recommendations using the same tech behind its music platform. In an interview this week, Pandora CEO Roger Lynch discussed the plan, detailing a project that may revolutionize the way people find new podcasts to enjoy. The personalized experience will work by offering users the content relevant to their tastes.
HyperX has launched a new gaming headset designed specifically for the PlayStation 4 console. The product is officially licensed by Sony, according to the company, which promises a high level of comfort and quality. Unlike many competing headsets, the latest HyperX Cloud model features a detachable microphone, enabling users to remove the extension when they only need game audio.
Today we had a chat with Sonos VP of Software Antoine Leblond about the company going public. Sonos launched today on Nasdaq with stock symbol SONO, as it did so becoming a public company for the first time. The first and most important question we had for Leblond is the same we've had for every tech company that's hit the stock market in the past decade: How will this change Sonos?
In late May, Plex launched its own podcasting platform for iOS, Android, and Roku devices, but only as a beta. Those who were willing to test it could use the feature to access their favorite podcasts, aggregating that content with their existing movie and music libraries for a less fragmented experience. Unfortunately, the beta lacked some important features for many users, driving them to existing alternatives, but Plex is back with a couple big changes.
JBL Link View, a smart speaker with an 8-inch display and Google Assistant, is now available for preorder. The oval-shaped device is an alternative to Amazon's Echo Show, offering voice control coupled with a display and camera for video chats, among other things. JBL is accepting orders now with plans to start shipping the device in early September.
Google plans to release improvements and new features for YouTube Music every two weeks. The decision will address many complaints subscribers have about the service, including limitations on searching for content, finding new albums, sorting content, and more. At least one feature -- support for saving to local storage -- is rolling out now.
ThinkGeek has launched a new product that'll only appeal to hardcore Star Trek fans: a pair of realistic Vulcan ear prosthesis attached to a pair of ordinary earbuds. At first glance, one may mistake the earbuds for a pair of old school hearing aids. When put on, though, the wearer appears to have a pair of long, pointy Vulcan ears.
Tempow TV has introduced a new Bluetooth audio protocol it calls Tempow Audio Profile (TAP) TV. This new protocol is available to any manufacturer that wants to integrate it into Bluetooth-enabled TVs, streaming sticks, or set-top boxes. Among other things, TAP TV makes it possible to create a wireless surround sound system using any Bluetooth speakers, including the ones you may already have scattered around at home.
Netflix, as part of its overall original content push, has released many of its own comedy specials, including ones featuring major comedic names like Seinfeld and Bill Burr. You need a Netflix account to watch these originals, but soon you'll have the option to listen to them -- at least parts of them -- using satellite radio service SiriusXM.
A new dongle called Genki promises to bring Bluetooth audio to the Nintendo Switch, offering a wireless solution to the console's wired audio problem. The Switch does not itself support Bluetooth audio devices, forcing users to plug in a pair of earbuds or headphones for private listening. Genki offers to be the solution by connecting to the device's USB-C port.
Fitness company Under Armour has teamed with celebrity Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to launch its new UV Sport Wireless Train Headphones - Project Rock Edition. This set of wireless on-ear headphones are designed specifically for athletes and anyone who likes music while they workout. The design is, let's say, very unique in a way that won't appeal to everyone.