Rdio's been busy making deals, tweaking its player and adding functionality over the past few months, and now it's learning you what to listen to. The music streaming service is starting to drop hints about albums, stations and playlists -- making recommendations based on users' listening habits and who they've been following. These Echo Nest-powered suggestions are rolling out to browsers now, and the company's blog says iOS and Android will see the functionality soon. Now, if you start getting all kinds of admonishments for The Baha Men, you only have yourself to blame.
Filed under: Internet
Via: The Next Web
Source: Rdio blog
Having a hard time making it in the internet radio space? Maybe you should take a feather from the cap of a firm that still rides the airwaves. That seems to be Rdio's approach -- according to the New York Times, the company is partnering with Cumulus Media (a company that owns for-real radio stations) to create a free version of its audio streaming service. Rdio will also trade a stake in its parent company, Pulser Media, for chunks of Cumulus programming and promotion on the traditional airwaves. Cumulus will sell ads for Rdio's impending free service, as well as compile playlists from its catalog of syndicated programming. This could buffer Rdio's music library with news and talk shows, which will hopefully give the service a competitive advantage over services like Spotify, Pandora and iTunes Radio. Although the deal doesn't involve a cash exchange, the Times reports the value of Cumulus' services at over $100 million. As for that free Rdio overhaul? It's predicted to be out sometime before the end of the year. The deal will be officially announced on Monday, until then, check out the NYT report at the source link below.
Filed under: Misc, Portable Audio/Video
Source: NYT
Twitter #Music might've released a Spotify app first, but that doesn't mean it's forgotten you folks on Rdio: you can now listen to all the tracks that rank on the social network's charts from within the internet radio's website or app. The songs are segregated into genre playlists -- just head over to the Twitter #Music station linked below to access and subscribe to them if you're inclined to keep abreast of what's trending. If what's hot with Twitter users don't exactly suit your ears, however, you can always discover new music via Autoplay or take advantage its Station Tuning feature instead.
Filed under: Misc
Source: Twitter Music, Rdio
Rdio's used the past few months to bring an array of improvements to its iOS app -- some functional and some cosmetic. To keep the momentum going, the company today released yet another update, including a Station Tuning feature that lets listeners "adjust any station to play more familiar or more adventurous tracks." Additionally, the app's Collection tab now sports a redesigned look, which makes for an easier, better-looking way to view album artwork. Rdio says search within has been improved as well, while other undisclosed, under-the-hood UI enhancements are also part of this version. Per usual, we've included the download link below.
Filed under: Portable Audio/Video, Internet, Software
Source: App Store
It's been less than a week since Spotify showed the world its new Browse feature, and now Rdio wants in on that action. The vowel-skipping music streaming service is revamping its Stations offering, starting with a player redesign, which includes voting on songs and station fine tuning and pivoting. Users can also create 10 types of different stations, starting with an artist, song or one of the service's 400 or so sub-genre selections. You FM, meanwhile, utilizes Facebook likes, Twitter follows, listening history and track votes to curate a customized listening experience. You can also build stations based on your friends' listening habit. The above offerings are available now on iOS, Android and in the browser.
Filed under: Software
Canadians who love movies (but hate vowels) just received some good news: Rdio has launched Vdio in their homeland. The content and pricing is largely similar to what we've seen in the US, including major movies that cost $5.99 to rent and $19.99 to buy. There are a few glaring omissions, though -- some bigger titles, such as Django Unchained and Silver Linings Playbook, are listed as "unavailable." Vdio isn't launching all that smoothly in the Great White North, then. Even so, its arrival is noteworthy when many online media services tend to skip Canada altogether.
Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD
Via: GigaOM
Each week Joshua Fruhlinger contributes This is the Modem World, a column dedicated to exploring the culture of consumer technology.
I gripped the handset, twirling the coiled wire around my wrist, listening for a ring tone. Instead, a busy signal triggered an autonomous twitch reaction in my teenage hand: hang up, wait for dial tone, hit redial, listen for ring tone. Again. Again.
Filed under: Internet
On its blog today, Rdio announced that it will now support up to five people on its family plan. Previously, only three customers were able to buddy up on the music-streaming service, with monthly pricing set at $17.99 for two users and $22.99 for three. Fees for two and three users will remain the same, while four members cost $27.99 and maxing out with five listeners will set you back $32.99 per month. If you already have an account and want to get your sibs in on the actions, head to your Rdio settings and select "Unlimited Family." From there, you can invite the family to sign on.
Filed under: Internet
Via: The Next Web
Source: Rdio Blog