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Spotify signs UMG, only Warner stands in the way of US invasion?
Six months ago, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek couldn't tell us when his subscription streaming music service might launch in the United States, and that won't change today, but apparently there's not much left keeping $10 unlimited monthly music away. All Things D reports that Spotify has signed Universal Music Group to a US distribution deal, the third of the four largest labels to agree, and anonymous sources say the last remaining holdout, Warner Music, may also soon cave. Mind you, one of Spotify's most intriguing new features just got shown up by iTunes in the Cloud, but when it comes to extra competition and consumer choice, we won't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Engadget Podcast 241 - 05.27.2011
It's all about doing new stuff, right? This week, we're doing a lot of new stuff: paying for soda pop with our cell phones, reading books on E Ink displays, and waiting for Duke Nukem Forever. OK, well maybe none of those things are actually new, but we're doing them in new ways this week, kind of. Listen to the podcast, is all we're saying.Host: Tim StevensGuests: Brian HeaterProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: 10yr - Regulate02:30 - Kobo unbuttons for $129 eReader Touch Edition, we go hands-on (video)03:52 - Barnes & Noble announces new touch-enabled Nook for $139 (video)13:43 - Barnes & Noble selling Nooks for $99 on eBay18:03 - Live from Microsoft's Windows Phone VIP preview event!22:00 - Windows Phone 'Mango' search offers location-specific results, app integration (video)29:36 - Windows Phone Mango and Bing Vision hands-on32:05 - Live from the Google Wallet press event!33:50 - Google Wallet mobile payment service, Google Offers announced35:16 - Google Wallet vending on Nexus S hands-on43:21 - Droid Incredible 2 review48:53 - Spotify and Facebook partner up, send Europe a friend request?50:55 - Sony makes good, doles out identity protection activation codes for PSN and Qriocity users51:28 - TweetDeck and Twitter, together at last54:00 - Duke Nukem Forever goes gold, will meet promised June deadline (really!)Hear the podcastSubscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC).[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator.[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)LISTEN (OGG)Contact the podcastSend your questions to @tim_stevens.Leave us a voicemail: (423) 438-3005 (GADGET-3005)E-mail us: podcast at engadget dot comTwitter: @tim_stevens @bheater
Spotify and Facebook partner up, send Europe a friend request?
Spotify may still be in tough negotiations with record labels to bring its streaming music service to the US, but the Swedish company has managed to score a powerful stateside ally, reportedly striking a partnership with Facebook. Neither party is dropping any cash on the deal -- set to be called either "Facebook Music" or "Spotify on Facebook," according to Forbes's anonymous sources -- which will let members of the social network stream songs at the same time as friends and share their listening habits with those in their social circle. The service is reportedly currently in testing and could be launched in a fortnight, but its arrival in the US still hinges on those ever important label deals. In the meantime, we'll all have to share our listening habits the old fashioned way: by posting on our friends' walls.
SpotiMy brings Spotify playback control to the menu bar, but that's it
Spotify might not have made it across the pond just yet, but that doesn't mean millions of Mac users aren't getting their music fix via the ad-supported or premium streaming service. A new Mac App Store app called SpotiMy aims to enhance the Spotify experience of Mac users by letting them control playback right from the menu bar. The little app adds a menu bar icon with drop-down previous, pause/play and next track buttons. Unfortunately that's about all you're going to get for your US$0.99. In fact you can easily and quickly control Spotify playback using the existing media keys on any Mac keyboard, which makes the app practically redundant for anyone with said keyboard. SpotiMy shows that there is potential for Spotify add-ons like the plethora available for iTunes. At the moment SpotiMy doesn't bring anything you can't do better with a keyboard to the table and therefore I can't recommend it. But the developer is keen to add to the app, with its current form very much a simple start. If track selection, or playlist support, along with what's playing and some other control features make it into the app, a menu bar Spotify control app could be really useful. One to watch but not buy, unless you desperately want Spotify menu bar playback control right now.
Spotify adds iPod sync and MP3 downloads to its music streaming service
Spotify expanded its online music streaming service to include MP3 downloads, iPod playlist sync and more. The music service will now let free and premium users sync their iPod classic, nano or shuffle with the service. Simply connect your iPod, and Spotify will add the portable media player to your list of available devices. In a matter of minutes, all the paid MP3 files in your Spotify playlist will automatically sync to your iPod. Spotify also added a new download service that lets customers buy and download tracks from their playlists. The music streaming service has compiled several MP3 bundles that sell tracks for as low as 50 pence (US$0.83). Lastly, Spotify has made its mobile application available to everyone. Both free and premium users can now download the iOS application and wirelessly sync their playlists from their computer to their iPhone or iPod touch. The European service is rolling out these new features to all of its users today as part of an automatic update. European readers should keep their eyes open for this update. When you receive it, let us know what you think.
Spotify launches music download service with iPod sync, puts iTunes on notice
Look out iTunes, Spotify has just launched its new music download service in Europe. What's more, the company that had been synonymous with music streaming will let you sync your downloaded MP3 playlist bundles to your USB-connected iPod classic, nano, or shuffle via a new "Devices" section of the Spotify app running on your computer. And listen up freeloaders, Spotify Mobile iOS and Android app users can now sync playlists wirelessly without a premium subscription (after purchasing the tracks, naturally). Here's a quote from Daniel Ek, Spotify CEO, sure to create some angst in Cupertino: "From today, Spotify really is the only music player you'll ever need. Our users don't want to have to switch between music players, but they do want to take their playlists with them wherever they go, on a wider range of devices, more simply and at a price they can afford. Now we've made that possible on one of the world's most popular consumer devices." Here's the dealio on Spotify's download prices for its nine million users of the free service (not premium subscribers): 10 tracks for €9.99 or €1.00 per track (£7.99 or just under 80p per track) 15 tracks for €12.99 or €0.87 per track (£9.99 / 67p) 40 tracks for €30.00 or €0.75 per track (£25 / 63p) 100 tracks for €60.00 or €0.60 per track (£50 / 50p) All the new features will begin rolling out today as part of an automatic update. See the full press release after the break as well as a quick introduction video to get you started.
Spotify announces new limits for free service, hopes you'll consider its premium options
No, it's still not saying anything about the eventual US launch, but Spotify is now causing a minor ruckus across the pond, where it's just announced some changes to the free version of the music streaming service. The timeline for the changes varies depending on when you signed up, but the short of it is that users will have six months of access to the free service as it is now, after which they'll face some stricter limits on how much they can listen to. That includes a total of just ten hours of listening time each month, and the ability to listen to individual songs no more than five times. Of course, the obvious goal there is to get more folks to sign up for its Premium or Unlimited services, which the company notes remain unchanged. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Windows Phone adds multitasking, deeper OS integration, and sensor access to dev platform
We knew it was coming, and today at MIX 11, Microsoft showed off its developer platform for the next version of Windows Phone, which developers will be able to get their hands on for free in May. The new application platform adds: Multitasking for background processing, audio and file transfer, and fast app switching, including background audio playback for HTML5 webpages Deeper integration of apps into the OS, allowing programs to leverage Live Tiles, including push notifications via Live Agents running in the background Raw access to the camera and sensors (gyro and compass) via the Motion Sensor library, letting apps to control device hardware Microsoft hopes this will allow developers to make even more creative and engaging apps. To get our juices flowing, it showed off demos of new app concepts from Skype, Spotify, Layar, Qantas, Amazon Shopping, and Kik Messenger. Check out our gallery below and hit the break for the details. %Gallery-121151%
Spotify now streaming over European Onkyo receivers
While Spotify still isn't available to US households, the streaming music service just made its first jump to European audio receivers with the help of Onkyo. Having already made its first move to the living room on Sonos systems back in September, Spotify Premium subscribers in Finland, France, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the UK can now stream 320kbps audio while browsing their personal, what's new, and starred playlists from televisions connected to any 2011 networked home cinema receiver from Onkyo, starting with the new 7.2 channel TX-NR609. With any luck, Onkyo will soon be updating its Onkyo Remote iOS app to replace the need for a power-hungry TV just to browse Spotify's 10 million tracks. Sorry North America, at least you've still got dibs on Rdio.
Inq Cloud Touch preview
We can't accuse Inq of having the best timing in the world -- the company announced its new Facebook-centric Cloud Touch and Cloud Q phones at about the same time that HP was busy blowing minds with its new webOS range in San Francisco -- but at least that gave us an excuse to get out of the Engadget bunker this morning and go check out some new gear. We've gotten to grips with the 3.5-inch touchscreen-equipped Cloud Touch and have broken down our first impressions of the device for you after the break. Aside from Facebook, Inq has chosen to integrate Spotify Premium into this phone along with Fluency, the typing prediction engine that powers SwiftKey. The two serve as significant upgrades on the default media player and keyboard software, respectively, and add a nice sprinkling of value to a phone that's already expected to go easy on the wallet. The gallery below will illustrate anything else you may need or want to know, although you'll have to check out the video to see the multifunctional unlock screen and Facebook widgetry in action. %Gallery-116210%
Spotify reportedly signs US deal with Sony
Just a week ago, we covered a New York Post story indicating that Spotify, the ad-supported or subscription based all-you-can-eat music streaming service, was about to sign a deal with Sony Music in the U.S. -- taking Spotify a step closer to the U.S. market. Now, according to MediaMemo, that deal has now gone through. Though both Spotify and Sony have declined to comment, it's reported that a deal -- similar in terms to Spotify's European music label deals -- has been reached. However, Spotify still needs to secure further agreements (or at least one big arrangement) with other music labels, to increase its catalogue, before it can begin offering a service in the U.S.. Spotify is facing some big hurdles, though. According to MediaMemo, the labels are anxious "...that Spotify's free streaming service will increase the decline of CD sales, which have been dropping for a decade, but still make up the majority of the labels' revenue. And, "...there is also muttering that the labels don't want to upset Apple, which sells tunes on a track-by-track basis via its iTunes store and dominates the market for digital music." However, last week The Post also reported that Spotify had the support of one other unnamed major music label. Though there seems to be an apprehension amongst U.S. music labels towards Spotify, perhaps we'll be hearing reports of another Spotify / major music label deal in the coming days. [Via Boy Genius]
Spotify moving closer to US release
It seems, according to the New York Post, that Spotify is coming to the US imminently. Spotify is a Luxembourg-based streaming, ad-supported or subscription based all-you-can-eat music service, currently only available in Sweden, Norway, Finland, the UK, France, Spain and the Netherlands -- much to the dismay of many US music lovers. Spotify is supported on both the Mac and iOS platforms in these countries. According to The Post, music-industry sources familiar with the discussions between Spotify and major US music companies suggest that a deal between Spotify and Sony Music is just days away. Spotify has also reportedly gained the support of at least one other major music company. However, a Spotify spokesman told The Post, "Negotiations are progressing well, but [we have] nothing to confirm at this stage." The last we heard on the matter was early last December when Spotify CEO Daneil Ek said, "[the labels] are still trying to get their heads around the space. They are seeing what we are seeing, with mobile and social. They want to make sure that if this is going to move on to be the next thing they want make sure they are setting the right precedents with free models, ad models, subscription models," according to an interview conducted by Mark Sullivan of PC World. Back then, it didn't look like things were going to be moving forward anytime soon, but in light of The Post's report, it seems some serious head-way has been made. Here's hoping, for our US readers, that we'll see some exciting announcements in the coming days. [Via Boy Genius]
Shazam and Spotify team up on iOS and Android apps
In yet another sign that Spotify has gone mainstream the company has just announced a partnership with Shazam -- the ubiquitous mobile music identification service. Under the deal, Shazamers will now be greeted with a "Play in Spotify" feature for all music discovered. The feature will be fully integrated in Shazam's free app "soon" and is available now for the premium apps on Android and iOS wherever Spotify is available, namely, the UK, Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, Spain and the Netherlands.
Spotify comes to Logitech Squeezebox, makes non-Europeans mildly jealous
Spotify still won't say when its streaming music service will come to the US, but its 10 million songs will play on two more devices from here on out: starting today, the Logitech Squeezebox Touch and Squeezebox Radio can get their 320kbps groove on. (Sonos, eat your heart out.) A free beta version of the music app should appear on the MySqueezebox website at any moment -- though it doesn't seem to be there right now -- followed by "a full rollout expected in the very near future," a promise which we can't quite translate, but might mean support for even more devices down the road. Of course, Spotify's something of a given for Logitech's next Squeezebox, if it happens to run Android. PR after the break.
Spotify "can't commit" to launch US service in 2010
Label negotiations will keep Spotify out of the U.S. for what's left of 2010, according to an interview conducted by Mark Sullivan of PC World. While at the Wall Street Journal's Dive Into Mobile event, Spotify founder and CEO Daniel Ek said that his company "can't commit" to a 2010 launch. Spotify is a streaming, ad-supported music service that is enjoying enormous popularity in Europe. Customers can choose from three tiers of service: the free, ad-supported Open tier that lets you play files locally; the £4.99 per month unlimited streaming tier with no ads; or the £9.99 per month plan, offering offline mode and mobile support. Spotify currently boasts more than 10 million tracks available for streaming and 750,000 paying subscribers. Why the delay? Ek took the diplomatic route. "[the labels] are still trying to get their heads around the space," he said. "They are seeing what we are seeing, with mobile and social. They want to make sure that if this is going to move on to be the next thing they want make sure they are setting the right precedents with free models, ad models, subscription models." This makes me wonder how Rdio is able to offer essentially the same service -- streaming music for a fee -- in the U.S. and Canada. Sullivan notes that Spotify is enjoying royalties deals in Europe that will be hard to duplicate in the U.S. Here's hoping it gets worked out soon, if only to stop my friends across the pond from bragging about how awesome it is.
Spotify still planning to launch in the US... sometime
Wondering about the state of Spotify in the United States? You're not the only one, and Spotify CEO and co-found Daniel Ek was once again asked that key question at the D: Dive Into Mobile conference today. His response? The company does indeed still plan to launch the music streaming service in the US, but it can't say when it will happen -- he did confirm, however, that it will cost $10 a month. Ek further explained that the reason for the delay is due to the nature of the service, which requires "complex deals" with recording companies -- there apparently wasn't any mention of any other potential complicating factors.
Hands on: AirPlay for audio streaming in depth
My colleague Mike Rose has already taken a long look at video streaming via AirPlay and found it a rather mixed bag. Although it works well as far as it goes, it doesn't support non-Apple apps -- even video streaming ones such as Netflix -- and can't even manage to stream video footage shot on an iPhone from the iPhone to an Apple TV. Meanwhile, Victor Agreda wasn't at all impressed that AirPlay doesn't offer the ability to stream his iTunes library to an iOS device. However, as someone who owns two Airport Express units and zero Apple TVs, I was more interested from the original announcement in September in audio streaming. So as soon as iOS 4.2.1 hit this was the feature I first turned to and tested out. Here are my findings of what it does, what works well, and what doesn't.
Spotify denies talks with Apple
Despite rumors to the contrary, UK-based Spotify denies being in talks with Apple over a possible acquisition. In an interview with CNET, Spotify representative Jim Butcher said that is company has "...absolutely no intention" of selling to Apple or anyone for that matter. That takes care of that. Spotify lets users stream music to their computers and mobile devices, and many believe it could be in competition with Apple's future plans. You'll remember that Apple purchased streaming service Lala not so long ago. Plus, they've got that big old data center just itching to get rolling in North Carolina. Many believe that those are the ingredients to a music streaming service, though that's only a rumor at this point. If it does come to fruition, it looks like Spotify's technologies won't be included.
Rumor: Apple looking at buying Spotify... to incorporate it or close it?
Fans of streaming music service Spotify might not want to read this story. The last time Apple bought such a company, it lived on for about six months before being unceremoniously shuttered. Hopefully if a rumored buyout of Spotify does go through, the service will face a happier outcome than Lala did earlier this year. The rumor of early stage talks between Apple and Spotify comes via Techcrunch, so it's probably worth grabbing a big hunk of salt to go with it. According to Michael Arrington's source, Google nearly bought the music streaming service last year for US$1 billion, but the parties couldn't come to terms on grandfathering the existing licensing deals with the music labels. There have been rumors that Apple would add a music subscription service to iTunes for several years, and the imminent launch of the company's North Carolina data center have accelerated those rumors. Previously Lala was expected to be the basis of a subscription plan, but that has gone nowhere yet. Apple and Spotify apparently aren't even at the stage of talking price or terms yet, so this may not go anywhere... assuming that they are even actually talking. [via Electronista]
Apple in talks to launch iTunes subscription music service?
Rumors of an iTunes subscription service are nothing new, but it's not every day they pop up in Reuters and the New York Post and CNET all at once, so here we go again. The Reuters and NYP reports claim Apple's Eddy Cue has been meeting with record execs to pitch a new $10-$15 monthly service that would offer unlimited access to music -- the pricing would be tiered depending on the amount of music consumed and how long you'd get access to it. That goes hand in hand with the CNET piece, which says Apple's trying to keep Spotify from getting US deals in place by telling the labels they'll never make any money from the service -- not the most chivalrous of moves, but no one ever said the music business was a friendly place. Of course, we've been hearing versions of these rumors for ages now and we're sure there are always talks ongoing, so this could all be nothing, but we'd bet Apple's trying to work something out ahead of Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 launch and renewed Zune marketing push. We'll see, we'll see.
