Digital Trends Live: Oscar nominations, the future of blockchain, and more
On this episode of Digital Trends Live, we discussed Oscar nominations for the Netflix film Roma and the latest Spotify features. We were also joined by journalist Rachel Wolfson to talk about the future of cryptocurrency and how the technology is poised to go mainstream.
Spotify adds artist-blocking feature, despite its denials
Though it continues to claim you can't do it, there's lots of evidence that Spotify has added an artist-blocking feature to its platform, making it easy for users to never hear a specific musician or band on any of the company's playlists, collections, or radio stations. But what does this mean for artists?
Jam out in hi-fi style with the 25 best playlists on Spotify
Music is the world's most potent drug, and the best playlists on Spotify will make you catch feelings. Whether you're looking for classic rock or modern hip-hop, we have you covered.
From Paul McCartney to Mariah Carey, this is the best holiday music
Whether you're a fan of classic jazz standards or modern R&B masterpieces, there's something for everyone on our playlist of the best holiday music. So pour some eggnog and curl up by the fire, this one is sure to get you in the holiday spirit, with countless classics and some modern hits to boot.
Spotify Wrapped reveals rad facts about your musical tastes and habits
The website may be a bit tough to find at first, but Spotify's new Spotify Wrapped tells you awesome facts about your year in listening. From how many minutes you spent jamming out to your top artists, and beyond, there's a lot to dig into on the company's annual year-in-review website.
You may soon be able to listen to your own songs on Spotify’s Android app
If you love Spotify's streaming, but also have a large collection of niche music, then it can be hard to marry your two passions. Switching back and forth between apps may soon become history for Android users though, as Spotify is apparently testing the ability to import local songs to its Android app.
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.
No subscription, no problem. Free Spotify users can soon use Spotify Connect
Spotify Connect, which allows users to stream their favorite tunes to any Connect-enabled speaker, has long been one of the best premium-only features on the Swedish streaming service. Soon, free users will get it too, providing yet another reason to embrace Spotify before other services.
As Amazon turns up the volume on streaming, Spotify should shudder
Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and others are all looking to capitalize on the popularity of streaming music. But, as Spotify's quarterly revenue has shown, it's nearly impossible to make a profit under the current structure. Could major tech companies like Amazon be primed for a streaming take-over?
Spotify makes its Family plan more enticing with a free Google Home Mini
If you’ve been thinking about signing up for a Spotify Premium Family plan, there has never been a better time. The company is making the plan even more enticing by offering subscribers a free Google Home Mini for a limited time, adding a whole new level of control to your listening experience.
Spotify Premium cribs from Pandora with new Endless Artist Radio feature
As Pandora continues to catch up to Spotify in terms of the features it offers, Spotify is returning the favor, adding Endless Artist Radio for Premium subscribers as well as other features including newly streamlined navigation and a redesigned, easier-to-use search page.
With Spotify for Wear OS, you’ll soon have even more control over your music
After what has seemed like a long time coming, Spotify will officially be available on Wear OS smartwatches. Whether it's on a run or a while lounging at home, you will now be able to access your music right from your wrist. The app will be rolling out over the coming week.
Garmin listens to feedback, adds Spotify to Fenix 5 Plus Series watch
Garmin announced integration with Spotify, allowing customers to listen to offline playlists from their wrist. Starting now, athletes and adventurers who own one of the Fenix 5 Plus devices can download the Spotify app from Connect IQ and start syncing their music.
With growing competition, Spotify’s family plan crackdown could backfire
Spotify is cracking down on users who share their family plans with friends to help everyone save a little money. The service has begun using a controversial tactic to put a stop to this, which could end up being worse for the company than it might be for users over-sharing their plans.
No cell signal? No problem: Spotify now lets you download up to 10,000 songs
If you’re a Spotify user who frequently uses the service in areas with spotty signal, you probably download songs for offline playback, but until now you were limited to 3,333 songs. Now that limit has been raised to 10,000 songs, and you can download on up to five devices now, up from three.
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.
Despite privacy concerns, music lovers are still grooving to smart speakers
Consumer research firm MusicWatch has been digging into the habits of 5,000 smart speaker owners to see how they're using devices like the Amazon Echo and Google Home and the research indicates that users still have concerns about privacy while streaming music.
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 Clock is getting music streaming support — here’s how to enable it
Google Clock is finally getting integration with music streaming services, meaning you can now wake up to your favorite tunes instead of those jarring alarm noises. Here's how to enable music streaming support in the Google Clock app. Note that for now, the feature only supports Spotify.
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.
Apple Music is winning the stateside streaming war. Here’s how it beat Spotify
Apple now has more paying subscribers for its on-demand music streaming service in the United States than Spotify. Here's how Apple Music surpassed the Swedish streaming service for stateside streaming supremacy, and why it will likely continue its lead in the United States for some time to come.
New leader alert — Apple Music is now beating Spotify in U.S. paid subscribers
As of this week, Apple Music has allegedly surpassed Spotify when it comes to the number of U.S.-based subscribers, and its lead if expected to grow by Christmas. According to sources who spoke anonymously with Digital Music News, Apple Music now boasts more paying subscribers than its main competitor.
A slimmer Spotify? Music streamer tests a ‘lite’ version for Android
Having a slower network or less data on your plan will no longer stop you from accessing the most popular apps and services on the market. The latest company to introduce a slimmed down version of its mobile app is Spotify, who has recently debuted the predictably named Spotify Lite. It's much smaller than the main app
Who needs a studio or label? LANY hit it big singing into a blanket
Indie-pop trio LANY went from unknown musicians Billboard charters shortly after anonymously uploading their music to Soundcloud in 2014. Now, the band has their sights set on becoming arena-rock legends and doing it without depending on streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music.
Founder of Red Bull Radio talks streaming service morality and the future of radio
Many Ameri, founder of 24/7 online radio station, Red Bull Radio, speaks on Red Bull's stance on Apple Music and Spotify's removal of artists from playlists, why long-form content still matters in an age of short attention spans, and how the future of radio is podcasts.
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.
Streaming music is clearly the future. Here’s why that sucks
Spotify and streaming services like Apple Music are taking over. But are we losing something valuable as we shift to on-demand music? Here’s why streaming isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
From Aaliyah to Garth Brooks, here is the music you can’t find on Spotify
Spotify boasts a library of more than 30 million songs, meaning finding something to listen to is never tough. There are some artists, however, who continue to shun the popular streaming service for one reason or another. From Queen Bey to Dr. Dre, here are the biggest Spotify holdouts.
Who’s next? As it snubs R. Kelly, Spotify opens a moral can of worms
Spotify recently introduced a new Hate Content & Hateful Conduct Policy, removing R. Kelly and XXXTentacion from its curated and algorithmic playlists. Apple Music and Pandora are also pulling material promoting Kelly. Is it justified? And how does this decision impact the streaming industry at large?
Apple Music reaches milestone of 40 million paid subscribers
Apple Music has officially surpassed the 40 million subscriber mark. It's an impressive milestone for the music streaming service, which has also just found itself a new leader. Earlier this week, the iEmpire announced that Oliver Schusser will be taking on the challenge of leading Apple Music Worldwide.
The new Spotify + Hulu bundle could save you some green
Spotify and Hulu are offering a new bundled service, including a Spotify Premium subscription and Hulu’s Limited Commercials plan for just $13 per month.
Rumored revamp of Spotify’s free mobile service could be a big step up
Spotify is on the hunt for new users and is reported to be prepping a new version of its free mobile service to do just that. The revamped offering could make it easier for music fans to select tracks instead of restricting them to shuffle mode. The tricky part will be converting those users to the paid model.
Spotify may be working on a stand-alone car speaker
Spotify may be getting into the hardware business. There is some evidence to suggest that the company is working on a standalone speaker for cars.
What is YouTube Red? What you get, how it works, and how much it costs
Curious about YouTube Red? We cover what you get with a subscription and how much YouTube Red costs, along with how YouTube Red works with Google Play Music to make a great music streaming service.