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SoundCloud is close to getting a lifeline
It's grim times for SoundCloud between massive job cuts and talk of mismanagement, but help might be coming soon... at a steep cost. Bloomberg sources understand that SoundCloud is in "advanced" talks to sell stakes in the company to two (as yet unnamed) private equity firms. The deals would ensure the streaming music service stays afloat, but it would also hand majority control to outside companies. In essence, SoundCloud would be giving up its vaunted independence in order to keep the lights on.
SoundCloud explores underground music scenes in a miniseries
SoundCloud isn't done exploring new avenues just because it's facing tough times. The streaming audio service is partnering with The Fader on a documentary miniseries, SoundCloud Next Wave, that spotlights underground music scenes in six cities ranging from New York to Rio de Janeiro. The first episode (which focuses on LA's burgeoning goth rap scene) premieres on SoundCloud's YouTube channel on July 20th at 10AM Eastern, and you'll get a new episode each month for the rest of 2017. It's something of a gamble for SoundCloud, but it might be one of the company's wiser strategies given some of its recent messes.
Despite recent struggles, SoundCloud says it's 'here to stay'
After last week's reports that SoundCloud would layoff 40 percent of its staff and consolidate its offices, the company is spreading the word that it's here to stay. SoundCloud tweeted earlier this week that it wouldn't be going anywhere, a message it reiterated in a blog post, and Chance the Rapper tweeted a similar sentiment following a cryptic tweet about "working on the SoundCloud thing." According to a company spokesperson, Chance, as a member of the SoundCloud community, called the CEO to inquire about the situation and his takeaway from that conversation was reflected in his tweet. However, the company recently held an all-hands meeting and reports from employees in attendance as well as information about how SoundCloud has handled these layoffs tell a different story.
After Math: Bigger and better
It was a bumper week for big ideas. Jay-Z's latest album went platinum in under a week, despite it only existing in the ethers of the internet. RED (of high-end camera fame) revealed that it's working on a "holographic" cellphone. And Tesla is going ahead and building the world's biggest battery array down in Australia. Numbers, because how else will we decide which is best?
SoundCloud will lay off 40 percent of its staff to stay afloat
SoundCloud has been having a rough go of it lately and today it told staff that 173 jobs would be cut, which amounts to nearly 40 percent of its employees. In a blog post, SoundCloud's co-founder Alex Ljung said that the company has doubled its revenue in the last year but that it needed to do more to remain independent. "And in order to do this, it requires cost cutting, continued growth of our existing advertising and subscription revenue streams, and a relentless focus on our unique competitive advantage — artists and creators," said Ljung.
Three’s ‘Go Binge’ plans offer ‘free’ data for Netflix streaming
To better compete with EE, Vodafone and O2, Three is introducing a zero-rating scheme in the UK. The network operator has teamed up with Netflix, TVPlayer, Deezer and SoundCloud to offer inclusive streaming with select mobile contracts. So when you watch or listen to these services on the go, they won't count towards your monthly data cap. The move, while contentious for net neutrality advocates, will no doubt be welcomed by consumers. There is, however, a pretty big catch: to take advantage of the new perk, you'll need to upgrade to a "Go Binge" plan, which Three admits will be slightly more expensive than your current, equivalent contract.
SoundCloud beats Spotify to Xbox One music streaming
SoundCloud keeps expanding its influence to stay competitive with the likes of Spotify and Pandora. It borrowed $70 million last March to enhance its push into new markets, added new tiers to its subscription service, brought Chromecast streaming to iOS and continues to update its offerings with listener-friendly updates like "The Upload." Now, the audio service is coming to Xbox One with a new app for subscribers to SoundCloud Free, Go, or Go+. A beta version of the app should also be available on Windows 10 PCs and tablets by the end of the week.
Google Home gains Bluetooth to play audio from any device
Google's smart speaker was already handy for a lot of things, but today the company is announcing a ton of new features for the device. During the keynote for its I/O developer conference, the company said it's adding Bluetooth connectivity to Google Home. This means you'll be able to play music and other audio from any device, including those running Android and iOS.
SoundCloud's latest feature crafts playlists from fresh uploads
Soundcloud isn't like other music streaming services. Rather than offering the back catalogs of seemingly every musician on the planet, the service is more of a resource for one-offs, mash-ups and folks looking for unique tunes to put into their DJ sets. As a way to help you discover more of what's on its servers, SoundCloud has launched "The Upload." The features looks at what you've liked and played and delivers a daily playlist based on your listening history.
SoundCloud brings Chromecast streaming to iOS
With a new subscription tier and a fresh bank loan, SoundCloud is moving right ahead with business as usual. Today's update brings a sorely missed compatibility so you can now play your SoundCloud mixes through a Google Chromecast from an iOS device.
SoundCloud borrows $70 million to keep going
When a startup is in the ascendancy, there's a near-endless line of investors ready to back it in the hope of future returns. When that road to success gets riskier, the investors dry up and the business has to run to the bank because it's the only place to get more cash. Apropos of nothing, BusinessInsider is reporting that SoundCloud has secured itself a $70 million loan from a group of financial institutions.
SoundCloud adds a new tier to its subscription service
SoundCloud Go is now a completely different offering after the company has revamped its music streaming service. The $10-per-month unlimited subscription still offers ad-free and offline access to over 150 million tracks, but it's now called SoundCloud Go+. A cheaper $5-per-month tier is taking over its old name: the new SoundCloud Go is the same as the free tier at its core. It can only access 120 million tracks, not 150 million like its more expensive counterpart, but it has no ads and gives you the power to listen to music offline.
SoundCloud won't take down DJ mixes
SoundCloud made its name partly on the back of DJ mixes (both official and otherwise), but you could never take their presence for granted. All it would take is an overeager copyright lawyer and your favorite set would disappear in a puff of digital smoke. That shouldn't be a problem going forward, though. Company co-founder Eric Wahlforss tells Germany's Groove that it's now possible to upload mixes "problem-free." The rights negotiations for SoundCloud Go made all the difference, Wahlforss says -- agreements with copyright holders mean that there won't be any rude legal surprises, whether or not you're a Go subscriber.
Spotify isn't acquiring SoundCloud after all
Just a couple of months ago, rumors indicated Spotify was negotiating to acquire fellow music streamer SoundCloud. Now, TechCrunch reports hearing from a source that those talks have ended and Spotify is walking away. According to the Financial Times, Spotify has considered this deal twice before and ended negotiations because it couldn't agree on a price.
Kello trains your sleeping habits without using sensors
While there are already a handful of devices that claim to improve our sleep quality, one little startup from Hong Kong's Brinc IoT accelerator thinks that it can do a better job. Kello is a sleep trainer that comes in the form of an internet radio alarm slash Bluetooth speaker slash home automation hub, and unlike some of the competition, it doesn't use any bed sensor, clip-on device nor wearable to track the user's sleep activity. Instead, it's all about leveraging "simple, effective and scientifically proven techniques" from specialists to help us sleep faster, wake up better and ultimately change our lifestyle.
Spotify is in 'advanced talks' to buy SoundCloud
Those rumors that SoundCloud is shopping itself around? They just got more substantial. Financial Times sources understand that Spotify is in "advanced talks" to buy SoundCloud. Details of the terms are still scarce at the moment, but it won't surprise you to hear that Spotify is declining to comment. We've asked SoundCloud for its take as well.
SoundCloud Go promo gives you 3 months of music for 99 cents
SoundCloud's Go streaming service is barely half a year old, but the company is already determined to attract hesitant listeners. It's launching a week-long promo that will give you 3 months of unlimited, ad-free music for 99 cents (or 99 pence in the UK) if you subscribe by September 19th. That's similar to offers we've seen from the likes of Google and Spotify, of course. However, it's more important here. While there's a real chance that you have at least a passing acquaintance with Google Play Music or Spotify, SoundCloud Go is relatively new and untested -- this is your chance to give it an extended try without dropping $30/£30. And when SoundCloud hasn't had much success getting customers to bite, a good deal like this could go a long way toward improving the company's bottom line.
SoundCloud Go now streams to Sonos connected speakers
The number of options for Sonos owners to stream music to their connected speakers continues to expand. SoundCloud announced today that its subscription service is now available on the popular multi-room audio setup. Launched in March, SoundCloud Go is the long-rumored monthly subscription option from the music library that's been a go-to spot for creators and listeners alike. The service still has some issues to work out, but if SoundCloud wants it to catch on, it needs to offer the option to users in as many places as possible. And that includes working with some of the best speakers on the market.
SoundCloud reportedly wants to find a buyer
SoundCloud's paid Go music service is a hot mess between its clunky interface and poor selection, and that may be leading the company to consider some more drastic ways of making money. Bloomberg tipsters claim that SoundCloud's owners are "exploring strategic options," including a possible sale at a valuation of $1 billion. The discussions are reportedly still young and might not lead anywhere, but the very possibility that it's on the table is notable -- the company may not be confident that it can profit from its legions of listeners.
SoundCloud serves up new music based on your listening habits
Nearly every music streaming service has a feature that gives you new music to listen to based on audio habit. Spotify has Discover Weekly, Pandora compiles a custom station and Apple Music is making recommendations a big part of its redesign for iOS 10. SoundCloud is looking to offer a similar tool with its new Suggested Tracks section. The company says the picks come from its "state-of-the-art machine learning algorithm" that keeps tabs on your likes and plays on the web and through the mobile apps. While SoundCloud doesn't specify how often the list is updated ("frequently"), it did explain that there's a good chance the some of the new music won't be found on any other service.
