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Tag: streaming

  • Youtube Fights Deepfakes: Ai-powered Detection Tool To Shield Creators’ Likenesses

    Youtube Fights Deepfakes: Ai-powered Detection Tool To Shield Creators’ Likenesses

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) has given rise to a multitude of possibilities, one of which is the generation of realistic yet fabricated videos, often referred to as ‘deepfakes.’ The increasing prevalence of these deepfakes has created a demand for tools that can protect individuals’ likenesses from being misused. In response to this, YouTube has recently launched a new AI-powered tool for this very purpose.

    YouTube’s New Protective Tool Against Deepfakes

    In an effort to battle the rise of deepfakes, YouTube has launched an AI-powered likeness detection tool. This new feature empowers creators with the ability to identify unauthorized AI-generated or manipulated videos that feature their likeness. Subsequently, creators can manage and request the removal of such fraudulent videos.

    The primary aim is to safeguard creators’ identities, preventing viewers from being deceived by deepfake videos. Initially, the tool will only be available to creators associated with the YouTube Partner Program, allowing them to access its features in the upcoming weeks. By January 2026, the tool will be made accessible to all creators with monetized channels.

    How Does the New Feature Work?

    The new feature can be accessed via the content detection tab in YouTube Studio. Creators aiming to utilize this tool are required to undergo an identity verification process involving the submission of a photo ID and a selfie video. Once the verification is complete, creators will be alerted of any AI-generated videos misusing their likeness.

    YouTube Studio will present a list of all unauthorized videos, providing information about the respective channel, video title, and the number of views each video has garnered. The tool will emphasize the specific segment of the video where the creator’s likeness has been used, facilitating the process of submitting a request for the video’s removal.

    Beyond the Initial Step

    Even though YouTube’s initiative in combating deepfakes is commendable, the problem extends beyond public figures and monetized creators. The rise of apps like Sora suggests that deepfakes will become an escalating issue for everyone. Moreover, the requirement of providing personal identification and biometric data for self-protection against such AI misuse may not be appealing to all.

    While the tool is a good initial step, it may be beneficial to implement further restrictions on AI-generated videos, such as a separate feed or clear markers indicating potential deepfakes. Although this might not completely eradicate the problem of deepfakes, it could potentially prevent viewers from being misled and creators from needing to clarify the video’s deceptive nature.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of YouTube’s new tool?
    The new AI-powered tool launched by YouTube aims to safeguard creators’ identities by detecting and allowing removal requests for unauthorized AI-generated or manipulated videos featuring their likeness.

    Who can initially access this detection tool?
    Initially, the tool will only be accessible to creators who are part of the YouTube Partner Program. By January 2026, it will be made available to all creators with monetized channels.

    What is the process to utilize YouTube’s new feature?
    To use this feature, creators need to go through an identity verification process involving the submission of a photo ID and a selfie video. Once verified, creators will receive alerts about videos misusing their likeness and can submit removal requests for such videos through YouTube Studio.

  • Your Spotify subscription might get more expensive again soon

    Your Spotify subscription might get more expensive again soon

    Get ready to potentially pay a bit more for your Spotify subscription if you’re in Europe or Latin America, as reports suggest another price increase could be on the horizon for the popular music streaming service. This wouldn’t be the first time the audio giant has adjusted its pricing, aiming to boost its revenue streams.

    According to a new report, Spotify is considering an increase for its standard Individual subscription plan by approximately €1 (which is about $1.14 USD) in several countries across these regions. This change could reportedly roll out starting as early as June 2025 with an insider reportedly mentioning that Spotify’s efforts to raise prices “would intensify considerably this summer.”

    This potential adjustment follows price hikes that have already taken place. For instance, Spotify recently increased the cost of all its plans in the Netherlands and Luxembourg without much fanfare. In those countries, the Individual plan saw an 18 percent jump, rising from €10.99 ($12.48 USD) to €12.99 ($14.76 USD). The Family and Duo plans also got more expensive there.

    A familiar tune in streaming

    This news probably doesn’t come as a huge surprise if you follow the streaming world. We’ve seen many services, whether for music, podcasts, or video, gradually increase their subscription fees over the past couple of year

    Companies are constantly trying to balance attracting and keeping subscribers with the need to become more profitable, cover content licensing costs, and invest in new features. While major competitors like Apple Music and YouTube Music haven’t announced similar widespread hikes recently in 2025, they’ve also adjusted their pricing structures in the past. It seems to be a general trend across the digital subscription landscape.

    U.S. spared for now, but a new tier is coming

    If you’re stateside, it looks like your standard Spotify plan won’t be affected by this specific European and Latin American increase, at least for now. However, Spotify has other plans brewing for the US market. The company is reportedly preparing to introduce a brand-new subscription option, sometimes referred to as a “super-premium” tier.

    Details are still emerging, but here’s what we’re hearing about this potential new plan:

    • Higher Cost: It might come with a price tag that’s about $6 higher than the current individual Premium plan.
    • Extra Perks: Code discovered within the Spotify app mentions exploring plans to “get more from your Premium experience with add-ons.” This could potentially include features like higher fidelity audio (HiFi audio), which users have been requesting for years.
    • Exclusive Content?: The report also noted that Spotify is considering options that might restrict access to certain new music releases, perhaps offering them first or exclusively to subscribers of this higher-priced tier.

    It feels like the streaming subscription market is continually evolving. While a small price increase like a dollar or two might seem minor on its own, these adjustments add up over time, particularly for users subscribed to multiple services. We’ll be watching closely to see exactly what these supposed add-ons on a super-premium tier entail and if they offer enough value to justify the extra cost.

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  • Spotify to introduce in 2025 the Hi-Fi service

    Spotify to introduce in 2025 the Hi-Fi service

    Just two weeks short of exactly eight (!) years ago, the news broke out that Spotify was about to introduce its Hi-Fi service that offers higher-quality music for an additional fee. Needless to say, none of that happened back in 2017; now, in 2025, it’s once again “Spotify Hi-Fi time”! Let’s hope it’s for real this time.

    The latest bit of info comes straight out of Bloomberg and their report reads that Spotify is preparing to introduce a premium tier called Music Pro, which will offer high-quality audio, but that’s not all. There could be AI-powered remixing tools and exclusive access to concert tickets as well.

    People in Reddit are not exactly feeling like they’ve won the lottery with that last perk, a quick check of the
    r/truespotify Subreddit shows:

    So, the alleged Music Pro service is expected to cost around $5.99 per month on top of existing subscriptions, though final pricing and rollout details are still being determined. The company is in discussions with major music labels to secure rights and is also exploring ways to integrate concert ticket sales, such as presale access or premium seating options.

    While Spotify has yet to make an official announcement, the service is expected to launch later this year. Just don’t make us wait another eight years, OK?

    Right now, Spotify is on the quest to diversify its offerings and generate more revenue from dedicated music fans.

    After years of keeping its pricing relatively stable across major markets, the company now sees an opportunity to introduce new plans tailored to different listener segments. This move aligns with rival trends, as record labels push streaming services to introduce higher-priced tiers to compensate for slowing growth in established markets.

    While Spotify recently raised subscription prices and expanded into audiobooks, Music Pro is designed to cater specifically to superfans willing to pay more for enhanced music experiences.

    Spotify has been working on this premium tier for some time, testing various features and negotiating with labels to secure necessary permissions. Competitors like Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, and Tidal already offer high-fidelity audio, while SoundCloud provides remixing capabilities.

    However, with 675 million users and over 250 million paying subscribers, Spotify remains a major player in the audio streaming industry.

    The company plans to roll out Music Pro gradually, introducing new features over time. While not all users may be interested in the higher-cost service, Spotify believes it will attract millions of passionate music fans who regularly invest in concerts, merchandise, and fan experiences.

  • Spotify might start paying artists increased royalties after agreement with Universal Music Group

    Spotify might start paying artists increased royalties after agreement with Universal Music Group

    Universal Music Group and Spotify announced multi-year agreements for recorded music and music publishing. Under the new agreements, UMG and Spotify claim artists, songwriters and consumers will benefit from “new and evolving offers, new paid subscription tiers, bundling of music and non-music content, and a richer audio and visual content catalog.”

    Another interesting piece of information mentioned in the announcement is that the new publishing agreement establishes a direct licensing between Spotify and Universal Music Publishing Group across the music streaming service’s current product portfolio in the United States and several other countries.

    This implies that Spotify might finally start paying artists increase royalties, at least in the US and those unnamed countries. Another phares that suggest that is that “the new agreements also renew the companies’ commitment to artist-centric principles, ensuring that artists continue to be properly rewarded for the share of audience engagement that they drive.”The new, multi-year agreements between Spotify and Universal Music Group will certainly benefit both equally, especially that the companies have agree to collaborate on the deployment of Streaming 2.0, UMG’s “vision for the next stage in the evolution of music subscription.”

    According to Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Group, “this agreement furthers and broadens the collaboration with Spotify for both our labels and music publisher, advancing artist-centric principles to drive greater monetization for artists and songwriters, as well as enhancing product offerings for consumers.”

    The monetization UMG’s CEO is talking about will probably involve the launch of new paid subscription tiers and/or a price increase of the existing ones. Those increased royalties won’t come from Spotify, but rather from loyal fans who will have to pay more for some extra benefits.

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  • YouTube TV simplifies 4K viewing with a simple pop up

    YouTube TV simplifies 4K viewing with a simple pop up

    YouTube TV just made it easier to find 4K content. Now, when you’re watching something that’s also available in ultra-high definition, a little notification will pop up on your screen to let you know.

    This is a great feature for people who want to watch the best possible picture quality whenever available. As we all know, 4K offers much sharper images and more vibrant colors than regular HD, making your viewing experience that much better.

    But why is this update necessary? Well, for some cord-cutters, YouTube TV has been a viable streaming service that lets you watch live TV channels over the internet. It is akin to having cable, but without the clunky box and the frustrating contracts.  Lots of people are choosing streaming services these days because they offer more flexibility and often cost less than traditional cable — in some cases, at least.

    The thing is, with so many streaming services and so much content, it can be hard to find what you want in the best possible quality. Before this update, YouTube TV made you dig through menus to see if something was available in 4K. That’s not exactly user-friendly. Now, they’ve simplified the process. If a 4K version is available, you’ll get a notification, and you can switch over with a simple click.

    Of course, there’s a bit of a trade-off. To watch 4K content on YouTube TV, you’ll need to subscribe to their “4K Plus add-on.” This add-on costs an extra $10 per month, on top of the regular YouTube TV subscription fee, which recently went up to $83 per month. So, you’ll end up paying a premium for that crisper, more detailed picture.

    That said, if you already have the 4K package with YouTube TV, it makes perfect sense to have this option available, so you can switch to watch the higher quality version that you are already paying for.

    Personally, I love the idea of easily finding 4K content, but I’m not a fan of the rising costs of streaming services these days. We thought we were cutting the cord, but what we actually found was that we could be paying the same, if not more, than we were paying before with traditional cable. It’s a tough situation for sure, as streaming is clearly the way to go these days for quality content that you can watch pretty much anywhere. I hope these price hikes have now reached their peak and do not continue to impact consumers.

  • Apple TV+ is free for everyone to view on these two days

    Apple TV+ is free for everyone to view on these two days

    While we didn’t expect Apple to make this announcement until next weekend, the tech giant announced today that Apple TV+ will be free for everyone to stream on Saturday, January 4th, and Sunday, January 5th. On X (formerly Twitter), Apple wrote, “This weekend, see for yourself. Stream for free Jan 4-5.” On the tweet Apple embedded clips from shows such as Presumed Innocent starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a prosecutor who becomes a suspect in a murder.

    Other Apple TV+ content included in the tweet include Wolfs starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt. The action-comedy film about a pair of “fixers” had a limited theatrical run last September and now can be viewed on Apple TV+. The long awaited second season of Severance is also teased. Starring Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and Patricia Arquette, the psychological thriller is about a procedure that allows employees of a mystery company to separate their work and personal lives.

    You might want to take advantage of the two free days of streaming to watch some of the platform’s more well-known titles include Ted Lasso (starring Jason Sudeikis), The Morning Show (with Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon), and Shrinking (starring Jason Segal, Harrison Ford, and Wendie Malick. This is a comedy about a recently widowed therapist who tells clients exactly what he thinks in a bid to help them.

    Just this past Saturday, we told you that Apple had been dropping hints about the upcoming two days of free Apple TV+ by releasing promos with the “See for yourself” tagline. This is the first time that Apple is opening up the Apple TV+ app for a full weekend of free streaming. At the same time, Apple is promoting the seven-day free trial it is offering new Apple TV+ subscribers as well as the longer trials given as a reward to those purchasing certain new Apple devices.

    A one month subscription to Apple TV+ costs $9.99 after the aforementioned one week free trial. The subscription can be shared with as many as five family members. Apple is hoping that the two free days of Apple TV+ gets non-subscribers hooked on some of the platform’s content leading them to subscribe to the service.

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  • Spotify launches new platform to support publishers and authors

    Spotify launches new platform to support publishers and authors

    Spotify for Authors is a new platform for authors and publishers that allows them to manage their presence and grow on the streaming service. The new platform offers access to multiple tools that make it easier for authors and publishers to understand their audience and drive more consumption.

    Authors invited by publishers on Spotify for Authors will be offered direct access to important insights, along with growth and promotional tools that will help them tap into larger audiences, including:

    • Aggregated age and gender demographics that provide more insight than ever before, to let them know who is listening to their content on Spotify.
    • Redemption codes to share royalty-free copies of titles with reviewers, superfans, and collaborators (if enabled by their publishers).
    • Promo cards to generate professional and shareable social assets for their titles in just one click.
    • Early access to author profiles, a new feature rolling out to Spotify so fans can easily discover more about the authors behind their favorite books.
    Starting today, publishers and select authors can begin using these insights into listener demographics, take advantage of tools for marketing and promote their titles, as well as customize their author page on Spotify using the features above.

    According to Spotify, the company worked closely with authors and publishers to develop Spotify for Authors, allowing the streaming service to design each feature based on their feedback and needs.

    “Today’s launch is just the first step as we help authors and publishers reach new audiences, connect more deeply with their fans, and drive listening,” explains Spotify in a blog post.

    Spotify for Authors is now available in all markets where the streaming service is officially accessible. Publishers can access Spotify for Authors with their Spotify logins and can invite authors to join at authors.spotify.com.

    It’s also important to mention that Spotify confirmed it will expand access to authors using Findaway Voices early next year.

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  • YouTube testing a TikTok-like swipe-up gesture to get to the next video

    YouTube testing a TikTok-like swipe-up gesture to get to the next video

    Recently YouTube redesigned its playback speed controls and added a couple of nice features to its app. It’s been testing different things in recent months, and some tests sound pretty exciting while others have people raising their eyebrows. In YouTube’s latest test, we have a new gesture being tested for longer videos.

    TikTok’s “Swipe up” gesture moves you to a new video. Since the gesture got popularized by TikTok, it was copied into YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, among other short-video sharing solutions. Now, YouTube is testing the gesture for regular-length videos, not Shorts.

    The swipe-up gesture is a quick and easy way to move through a series of short vertical videos, but it’s generally primarily suitable for vertical videos. However, YouTube seems to think the gesture may be useful for horizontal videos as well, and this change is quite a dramatic one.

    Right now, when you’re enjoying a video on YouTube on full screen (landscape orientation), the swipe-up gesture is used to exit full screen, rather conveniently. Digital Trends contributor Tushar Mehta spotted the test. The tested fullscreen video player swipe-up gesture leads to a new video being played.

    The change has been spotted only on Android phones at the moment. You can also swipe from either side on Android phones to leave fullscreen mode, and you can also do that from the arrow button in the top left corner.

    At the moment, it’s not clear when this change will roll out globally. Given the fact this is still in its testing phase, user feedback may play a role in whether or not this update gets released at all. Some people have mixed feelings about it, which I agree with simply because when you are already used to what a gesture does in an app, changing that would be rather annoying.

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  • Spotify rolls out custom playlist cover art feature

    Spotify rolls out custom playlist cover art feature

    Spotify has launched a new beta feature that allows users to personalize their playlists with custom cover art. Available on both iOS and Android devices, the feature gives users the ability to design unique covers using their own images, colors, text effects, and graphic elements. This new addition aims to provide users with more creative control over their playlists, making them visually distinctive.

    To access this feature, users need to have the latest version of the Spotify mobile app. Once updated, they can select an existing playlist or create a new one. By tapping the three-dot menu on the playlist page and selecting “Create cover art,” users can then upload an image and customize it with various elements. These include text styles and effects from Spotify’s custom typeface, Spotify Mix, as well as background colors, gradients, image masking, visual effects, and exclusive stickers from artists like Jun Ioneda, Sam Lyon, James Marshall, and Shivani Parasnis. After creating their cover art, users can share it with friends or on social media platforms.

    It’s worth noting that each playlist can only have one custom cover art saved at a time. Any new cover created for a playlist will replace the previous one. For users who want to design multiple covers for the same playlist, creating a copy of the playlist is recommended. This can be done by opening the playlist, tapping the three-dot menu, selecting “Add to other playlist,” and then tapping “New playlist.”

    Currently, this feature is available in beta to English-speaking users in 65 markets. Spotify has collaborated with various music artists, visual creators, and album art designers for the launch. Among them are creators that have collaborated on famous works by Bad Bunny, The Notorious B.I.G., Beastie Boys, and JAY-Z, among others. These artists have used the new feature to create unique cover art for their own personal Spotify playlists.
    I find that this feature offers a fun and creative way to personalize playlists and express users’ musical taste. I appreciate the flexibility it provides in terms of design elements and the ability to use one’s own images. Furthermore, I believe this feature will enhance the overall user experience on Spotify, making it more engaging and visually appealing. Let’s see how Spotify further develops and expands this tool in the future.
  • Google TV gets major upgrade: smart home controls, AI art, sports hub, more

    Google TV gets major upgrade: smart home controls, AI art, sports hub, more

    Google is rolling out a significant update to its Google TV platform, bringing a host of new features to enhance your viewing and smart home experience. These updates will be available on all Google TV devices, including the upcoming Google TV Streamer set to launch on September 24th.

    One of the most notable additions is the new home panel on Google TV. This feature transforms your TV into a central hub for controlling all of your compatible smart home devices. From adjusting your thermostat to checking your security cameras, you can manage your entire smart home without ever leaving the couch. The new doorbell notifications also bring added convenience, allowing you to see who’s at the door without interrupting your viewing experience. If you can’t find the remote, Google Assistant voice commands have you covered, providing hands-free control over your smart home devices.

    When you’re not actively watching TV, Google TV now offers an improved Ambient screensaver that turns your idle screen into a personalized canvas. You can either create AI-generated designs based on your own descriptions or prompts, or relive your cherished memories by showcasing your favorite Google Photos. This feature leverages generative AI to craft unique images for your display, adding a touch of artistic flair to your living space.

    For sports fans, the new sports page within the For You tab consolidates all your sports content in one convenient location. You can quickly find live and upcoming games, catch sports commentary, browse YouTube highlights, and receive personalized recommendations to stay up-to-date on your favorite teams and leagues.

    Choosing what to watch can be overwhelming with the vast array of channels and subscription services available. To help you make informed decisions, Google is introducing enhanced overviews of top movies and shows powered by Gemini technology. These overviews provide comprehensive summaries, audience reviews, and season-by-season breakdowns, giving you valuable insights to guide your viewing choices.

    Last year, Google introduced free built-in channels on Google TV, offering a selection of live TV without the need for additional downloads or subscriptions. This service, known as Google TV Freeplay, now boasts an expanded channel guide with over 150 channels, making it easier to browse by genre and topic. New additions to the lineup include Heartland, The FBI Files, and ION Plus.

    The update also extends to Google TV’s hardware ecosystem. In addition to the upcoming Google TV Streamer, you can now find Google TV on a wider range of devices, including new art TVs from Hisense and TCL, as well as smart projectors from Vankyo, Epson, and XGIMI. Google is also expanding its reach by bringing Google TV to more countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

    I’m excited about these updates to Google TV. The integration of smart home controls directly into the TV interface is a game-changer, and I can see it definitely changing the way I interact with my connected TV. The AI-generated art for Ambient screensaver and the enhanced overviews for movies and shows are also great additions that personalize my viewing experience. Finally, as a baseball fan, I appreciate the dedicated sports page, which will make it easier to find and follow my favorite team.

  • Spotify restores free lyrics access

    Spotify restores free lyrics access

    Free Spotify users are now able to view song lyrics for all songs again, after being restricted earlier this year. The company previously limited free users to viewing lyrics for only three songs a month, pushing a paid subscription to access lyrics for any song. However, Spotify has now reversed this decision, allowing free users to enjoy unlimited access to lyrics once more.

    Spotify’s decision to limit lyric access for free users in May was met with negative feedback. It was viewed by some as an attempt to incentivize users to upgrade to their paid subscription tiers, which start at $11 per month. However, the company seems to have shifted its strategy, prioritizing improvements to the free user experience. This change aligns with CEO Daniel Ek’s recent statements about enhancing the free product pipeline based on performance in certain markets.

    While the exact reasons behind Spotify’s change of heart remain unclear, it’s evident that the company is constantly experimenting and iterating on its features. The spokesperson’s statement emphasizes this, stating that feature availability can vary across different tiers, markets, and devices.

    During a recent earnings call, CEO Daniel Ek mentioned ongoing plans to integrate additional enhancements into the free experience in the coming months. These improvements aim to make the free tier more appealing and valuable for users, potentially attracting a wider audience to the platform.

    It’s worth noting that Spotify’s commitment to enhancing the free experience goes beyond lyrics access. The company is likely exploring various avenues to make the free tier more attractive and engaging for users. This could involve introducing new features, improving the user interface, or even experimenting with different advertising formats.

    Although Spotify is still testing and refining its features, the company appears to be actively listening to user preferences and making necessary adjustments to cater to both free and paid users. The recent reversal of the lyrics restriction suggests that Spotify is open to adapting its strategies based on user response and market trends. It will be interesting to see how this change impacts user engagement and satisfaction on the platform in the long run.

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  • Spotify expands its library with audiobooks from over 100 publishers

    Spotify expands its library with audiobooks from over 100 publishers

    After introducing a tier specifically dedicated to audiobooks, Spotify is now expanding its library to offer potential customers a reason to pay the expensive subscription price. The world’s biggest music streaming service announced a huge deal to add audiobooks from over 100 Ingram-distributed publishers to its library. Spotify is bringing audiobooks from Europa Editions, Milkweed Editions, G&D Media, Bard Press, New Society Publishers, and more to its customers.

    Our partnership with Ingram Content Group is part of our goal to bring more independent authors to Spotify to get their books heard through our Audiobooks in Premium offering. As one of the biggest distributors for independent publishers around the world, we are excited to have Ingram to help grow the industry and create additional ways for their authors and publishers to reach new audiences.

    Spotify has already revealed some of the titles that audiobook fans will be able to listen to if they decide to join its service, such as The Hurting Kind, Mo Bunnell’s forthcoming Give to Grow, and bestselling author Bob Proctor’s Born Rich. Listeners in the United States can also dive into Damon Galgut’s Booker Prize-winning novel The Promise and Anne Berest’s international bestseller The Postcard.

    According to Spotify, since launching audiobooks in its Premium offering last year, more people have joined the service trying new and different books, with hundreds of thousands of unique titles streamed.

    The streaming service says that not only bestsellers are popular among listeners, but back catalog titles are also gaining popularity. Of the top 10 audiobooks on Spotify, nine are backlist titles, and six of those were released over five years ago.

    This is the second major audiobooks announcement from Spotify, after the streaming company revealed back in May a deal with Bonnier Books UK and Blackstone Publishing to have their libraries of audio titles added to its Audiobooks offer.

  • Spotify official confirms a more premium tier is coming soon

    Spotify official confirms a more premium tier is coming soon

    Spotify’s long-rumored Hi-Fi tier is about to go official. The music streaming service recently confirmed a deluxe version of Spotify that offers a bunch of enhancements is in the works and should be released very soon.

    After adding a basic ad-free plan in June specifically aimed at those who don’t listen to audiobooks, Spotify is ready for the next step. The launch of an even more premium tier will allow the audio giant to tap into a new audience, one that’s looking for excellence.

    On the company’s earnings call, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek said that the upcoming deluxe tier could cost $5 more than the current premium tier pricing. Although the deluxe plan is still in “early days,” Spotify is determined to eventually give it the greenlight since it’s convinced that it caters to a certain type of consumers.

    According to Ek, the even more premium tier of Spotify is going to be “around $17 or $18 price point, but sort of a deluxe version of Spotify that has all the benefits that this normal Spotify version has, but a lot more control, a lot higher quality across the board.”

    The star of this deluxe version of Spotify is the lossless audio feature, which includes listening support for up to 24-bit/44.1kHz that’s going to be available for “limited songs” via the FLAC audio format.

    In addition, the upgraded tier is rumored to include the ability to generate custom playlists based on specific dates, events, activities, but the algorithm will also try to predict user preferences and create playlists accordingly.

    Currently, only three music streaming services offer lossless audio to their subscribers: Amazon Music, Apple Music, and TIDAL. It’s surprising that Spotify hasn’t added this perk to its offering yet, but there’s probably a reason behind this strategy that we’re not aware of.

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  • YouTube’s weaker than expected Q2 performance hurts Google parent Alphabet

    YouTube’s weaker than expected Q2 performance hurts Google parent Alphabet

    A 13% year-over-year increase in revenue from YouTube ads during the second quarter of 2024 and a 13.8% annual increase in revenue from Google Search ads helped lead Alphabet subsidiary Google to report an 11% annual gain in advertising for Q2 of 2024. Google Search ad revenue rose from $42.63 billion to $48.51 billion year-over-year and YouTube ad revenue amounted to $8.66 billion up from the $7.67 billion that was generated during the same quarter last year.
    Google said that for the three months ended in June 2024, total Google advertising revenue came to $64.62 billion compared to the $58.14 billion in advertising revenue that came into Google’s coffers during the second quarter of 2023. Traffic acquisition costs rose 6.8% to $13.39 billion which was well worth it to Google thanks to the aforementioned 11% annual hike in Q2 advertising revenue.
    “Our strong performance this quarter highlights ongoing strength in Search and momentum in Cloud. We are innovating at every layer of the AI stack. Our longstanding infrastructure leadership and in-house research teams position us well as technology evolves and as we pursue the many opportunities ahead.”-Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, Google
    The business unit which includes Pixel devices, Google subscriptions, platforms, and devices, saw top-line growth of 14.4% to $9.31 billion from $8.14 billion. That could indicate growing demand for Pixel phones, tablets, smartwatches, and earbuds. Google’s Cloud business was very strong with the top-line rising 28.8% to $10.35 billion compared to the $8.03 billion that this business generated during the same quarter last year. This was the first time that Google’s Cloud business topped $10 billion in revenue and $1 billion in operating profit during a single quarter.
    Alphabet’s total revenue of $84.74 billion during the second quarter was up from the $74.60 billion reported during the 2023 second quarter. This was a 13.6% increase and helped Alphabet report a 28.6% gain in net income to $23.62 billion for the second quarter of 2024. During the same quarter last year, Alphabet had net income of $18.37 billion. Diluted earnings per share, which assumes the conversion to equity of all convertible debt, was reported by Alphabet to be $1.89 for  Q2 of 2024, up 31.3% from the $1.44 reported for the same quarter in 2023.
    “We delivered revenues of $85 billion, up 14% year-on-year driven by Search as well as Cloud, which for the first time exceeded $10 billion in quarterly revenues and $1 billion in operating profit. As we invest to support our highest growth opportunities, we remain committed to creating investment capacity with our ongoing work to re-engineer our cost base durably”-Ruth Porat, Alphabet president, chief investment officer
    The report did not sit well with Alphabet investors; the shares rose 12 cents during the regular trading session to $181.79 but plunged $3.96 or 2.18% to $177.83 in after-hours trading after the earnings were released. While Alphabet’s earnings and revenue were higher than expected, YouTube’s performance disappointed investors, explaining the subsequent stock sell-off during the extra trading session.
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  • Spotify enhances podcasts with new commenting feature

    Spotify enhances podcasts with new commenting feature

    Spotify is launching Comments for podcasts and a new mobile app for podcasters to build stronger relationships with their listeners. These new tools allow podcasters to manage their shows and engage with fans in a deeper and more convenient way.

    The company has been adding features to their podcasts for some time now. A few years ago, the platform introduced Q&A and polls to allow listeners to interact with podcasts. Since their introduction, over 9 million unique Spotify users have engaged with a Q&A or poll and interactions have grown by 80% year-over-year. This suggests that interactive features like Comments are in high demand.

    Ben Wilson, the creator of “How to Take Over the World,” shared that he uses Comments to get feedback from his audience and understand which takeaways from the podcast resonate most with them. This feedback helps him create a stronger connection with listeners and makes podcasting more rewarding for him.

    The new Comments feature builds on the existing Q&A and polls functionality. With Comments, Spotify hopes to further enhance the interactive experience for both podcasters and listeners. This feature is available to all podcast creators, regardless of where their episodes are hosted. Creators can manage listener feedback, track their podcast’s growth, and interact with listeners, all through the new Spotify for Podcasters mobile app.

    The new Spotify for Podcasters mobile app has been rebuilt to be more inclusive and now works for all podcasters, regardless of where their show is hosted. It also includes new notification features that help podcasters stay informed about their show’s performance and listener feedback. The ability to manage comments has also been added to the app.

    Spotify’s VP of Podcast Product, Maya Prohovnik, stated in an interview that Comments were a highly requested feature by podcasters and listeners alike. Furthermore, she stated that since Spotify is committed to making its platform the best place for creators to connect with their fans, the addition of Comments aims to achieve that goal. Historically, podcasts have been a one-sided experience, and while features like Polls and Q&A have been available for some time, there has been a desire for more direct interaction.

    The new features and app are designed to offer a better podcasting experience for everyone involved. For podcast creators, these tools provide a meaningful way to grow their audience and strengthen relationships with listeners. For fans, the biggest benefit is the ability to connect with their favorite podcasters on a deeper level, directly on the platform where they are already listening.