HomePod users can now ask for music from streaming service Deezer, with the Apple smart speakers expanding Siri support. The new voice functionality works with both the original, discontinued HomePod and the newer, smaller, HomePod mini.
It sure looks like Apple is planning to introduce its own HiFi music plan, giving audiophiles a higher quality streaming option to go with their pricey hardware while taking on competing services like Spotify's and Deezer's high-fidelity audio options. A couple of new leaks reinforce the potential, while one teases a particularly tantalizing perk not offered by other services.
Spotify is giving its app a refresh, with a new "Your Library" section that promises quicker access with a revamped layout and dynamic filters. The new interface brings together music and podcasts in a single UI, following Spotify's announcement earlier this week that it would be adding podcast subscriptions as an option for users.
Mobee-K's latest pair of USB-C earbuds feature the app for music streaming service Deezer pre-installed -- but it's only meant for certain Samsung Galaxy smartphones. When a Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy S21, or Z Flip owner plugs these headphones into their handset, they'll have the opportunity to install Deezer and get a 'unique' experience with it.
Spotify prices are about to change again for some users - not all, but quite a few - as of this Friday. Spotify will begin with the family premium plan in the United States, and both the UK and Europe will have price changes in several areas. Price changes begin this Friday, the 30th of April, 2021.
Facebook continues its quest to have you never leave its software, with the addition of a new Spotify miniplayer baked into the social networking site's app. The new integration will allow Spotify users to access playlists and - depending on their subscription - other streaming music features directly within Facebook's iOS and Android apps.
Technics, the high-end audio company owned by Panasonic, has announced a new 'entry level' turntable that gives audiophiles a more affordable way to get on board with its premium vinyl product line. The newly revealed Technics SL-100C boasts a number of high-end features, including a motor drive unit that features tech developed for the higher-end SL-1000R and SL-1200 Series turntables.
If you're a Fortnite Crew subscriber, you can get a Spotify Premium subscription for free as a new perk. The offer will go live on April 22 and remain available for active subscribers to claim until June 30, according to Epic, which notes that you can only redeem the perk using a Spotify account that has never previously had a Premium subscription.
While lots of people out there don't want anything to do with walking through a spiderweb or the arachnids themselves, at some point, most of us have probably stood back and admired the complexity of a spiderweb. Spiders can weave strands of silk into incredibly intricate 3D webs serving as both the home for the spider and hunting grounds for prey. Scientists at MIT have translated the structure of a spiderweb into music.
A Prince album was recorded in the year 2010 then "mysteriously archived by Prince." Today, the Prince estate announced that they'll be releasing this album in its entirety in July of 2021. This album is called Prince: Welcome 2 America. A sort of preview track from the album was made available here in early April of 2021.
THX is wading into the consumer electronics space, and if you've ever wished for higher-quality music from your smartphone, the THX Onyx might fit the bill. Designed to plug in-line with your headphones and your iPhone or Android device - or, indeed, your Mac or Windows computer - it packages a tiny DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) with the company's THX AAA amplifier tech.
Amazon has added a new Car Mode to its Amazon Music app, aiming to make it easier to handle playback while minimizing driver distraction. As you'd expect, the new interface includes simplified controls and bigger text to save you from squinting at your smartphone, along with Alexa voice control so that you might not even need to move your hands from the wheel.