Music streaming

Apple said to be planning early international rollout of streaming music service

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Russia is going to be among the first countries where Apple will launch its revamped Beats Music service, according to Billboard. The publication points to a report from local outlet Vedomosti, who cites several sources claiming that the company is in negotiations with Russian record labels regarding the service.

The fact that Apple is eyeing Russia for an early streaming music launch isn't alone significant—its slowing economy and struggling ruble have deterred other services like Spotify from entering the countries—but what is interesting is that it sounds like the company is planning on a quick international rollout.

Rdio to launch new ‘Select’ streaming music tier for $3.99 per month

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Rdio is planning to launch a new budget tier for its streaming music service soon, BuzzFeed reported on Wednesday. CEO Anthony Bay tells the publication that they are calling the new tier 'Rdio Select,' and it will give users limited access to the streaming service for just $3.99 per month.

“We’ve all been flying airplanes that had business class only,” Bay quips. “There is no coach.” The $4 tier will include two components: the first is a Pandora-like streaming radio offering without ads and unlimited skips, and the second is on-demand music with a daily allowance of 25 songs.

Try before you buy: Apple’s new music service to offer lengthy trial periods and free song samples

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple's new music service could include multiple ways to listen for free, Recode reported on Friday. Citing sources familiar with the project, the site says that while the service won't include a typical 'free version,' Apple is hoping to offer a lengthy trial period and free song samples.

The trial period could range anywhere from one to three months, depending on the outcome of Apple's current negotiations with record labels, which would give users a lengthy look at the service. It may also allow music owners to upload a sampling of songs that others could listen to.

Apple still missing key licensing deals ahead of rumored Beats Music relaunch

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Apple is really cutting it close if it wants to relaunch Beats Music at its developer conference next month. Citing sources familiar with the company's plans, Billboard reports that it is still missing a number of key licensing deals it would need to secure to unveil a new streaming music service.

"A June launch is still attainable," one source tells Billboard. "If any company can do it, they can." However, another source at a major record label tells the publication that there is no way Apple will be able to pull off a June launch for the new service, saying simply that "the deals aren't done."

Pandora CFO talks support for CarPlay, relationship with Apple

Jake Smith ∙ Updated March 2, 2018

Pandora revealed on Tuesday it has plans to launch its online music radio on Apple's CarPlay, the in-car infotainment software set to be found in several vehicles on the market.

While Pandora is a little late to the party, as CarPlay launched in 2014, it's a seemingly perfect app to fit the car software. Many users already utilize the Pandora app on their iPhone to play music through their car's speakers.