Music
-
Amazon, Google Smart Speaker Market Hold Under Threat by China
Amazon introduced the first voice-activated smart speaker in 2014 with Alexa and Amazon Echo. According to new data from Strategy Analytics, Amazon’s global smart speaker share of shipments fell to 41% in the second quarter (ended June 30) from 44% in Q1 and 76% in Q2 2017. By contrast, Google increased its share to 28% … Continue reading “Amazon, Google Smart Speaker Market Hold Under Threat by China”
-
One Billion Internet-Connected TV Devices in Use Globally
It’s a streaming video world. There more than one billion connected TV devices now in use worldwide, according to new data from Strategy Analytics. Connected TV devices – including Smart TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, video game consoles, streaming media devices – enable users to stream over-the-top video content to the TV. Smart TVs have been … Continue reading “One Billion Internet-Connected TV Devices in Use Globally”
-
Amazon, Google Smart Speaker Market Hold Under Threat by China
Amazon introduced the first voice-activated smart speaker in 2014 with Alexa and Amazon Echo. According to new data from Strategy Analytics, Amazon’s global smart speaker share of shipments fell to 41% in the second quarter (ended June 30) from 44% in Q1 and 76% in Q2 2017. By contrast, Google increased its share to 28% … Continue reading “Amazon, Google Smart Speaker Market Hold Under Threat by China”
-
Sony Bringing Documentary ‘Elvis Presley: The Searcher’ to Disc Oct. 16
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will release the three-hour HBO documentary Elvis Presley: The Searcher on DVD Oct. 16. The film collects material from the archives of Graceland to present an inside look at a rarely seen side of the King of rock ‘n’ roll, taking the audience on a comprehensive creative journey from his childhood … Continue reading “Sony Bringing Documentary ‘Elvis Presley: The Searcher’ to Disc Oct. 16”
-
Trans World Entertainment Ups Q1 Loss
Trans World Entertainment Corp. May 29 reported a first-quarter (ended May 5) loss of $8.1 million, which was 56% higher than the $5.2 million loss reported in the previous-year period. Revenue dropped nearly 5% to $96.6 million. The company cited much of the loss on continued challenges in its f.y.e. (For Your Entertainment) mall-based home … Continue reading “Trans World Entertainment Ups Q1 Loss”
-
Apple Q2 Services Revenue Increases 31%
Apple May 2 reported second-quarter (ended March 31) “services” revenue of $9.1 billion, which was up 31% from revenue of $7 billion during the previous-year period. Services includes revenue from digital content and services (i.e. iTunes Store selling/renting movies, TV shows, audiobooks and music); Apple Music subscription service, AppleCare (warranty), Apple Pay, App Store, licensing … Continue reading “Apple Q2 Services Revenue Increases 31%”
-
Amazon Raising Annual Prime Fee to $119
With over 100 million members worldwide, in addition to global aspirations delivering movies, TV shows, music, books and merchandise to consumers, Amazon April 26 announced it is raising the annual Prime fee by $20 to $119. CFO Brian Olsavsky, on the fiscal call, said the price hike reflected the increasing services available “for free” to … Continue reading “Amazon Raising Annual Prime Fee to $119”
-
House Passes Updated Music Copyright Bill
The House of Representatives April 25 approved the Music Modernization Act (H.R. 5447), legislation intended to update music copyright laws and remuneration to artists and creators in the digital age. The bill, which was introduced to the House on April 10 House Judiciary Committee chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), would … Continue reading “House Passes Updated Music Copyright Bill”
-
Theaters Partnering for Online Content, Live Event Service
A consortium of independent theatrical venues and the National Association of Theater Owners trade group are partnering for an online platform offering alternative content and live streaming events. Dubbed “MyCinema.live,” the broadband platform is officially launching at Cinemacon 2018 through April 26 in Las Vegas. Theaters and Cinema Buying Group-NATO are working with digital TV … Continue reading “Theaters Partnering for Online Content, Live Event Service”
-
‘American Idol’ Going Live Nationwide
Ratings-challenged “American Idol” announced it would for the first time air live simulcasts nationwide of the remaining three weeks of season 16 of the music performance reality show. Previous telecasts have been tape-delayed for Westcoast audiences. The series, which began airing for the first time in March on ABC after its original run (through 2016) … Continue reading “‘American Idol’ Going Live Nationwide”
-
Amazon Tops 100 Million Prime Members Globally
Amazon April 18 announced for the first time (in a shareholder letter) it has exceeded 100 million Prime members globally since launching the $99 annual membership loyalty platform with free two-day shipping 13 years ago. Prime membership includes free access to Prime Video, Prime Photo, Twitch Prime (video games), Prime Now deliveries and Prime Music, … Continue reading “Amazon Tops 100 Million Prime Members Globally”
-
Comcast Returns ‘Watchathon’ Binge-Viewing Week
Comcast Cable April 11 announced it is bringing back the “Xfinity Watchathon Week” April 16-22, affording subscribers non-stop, on-demand access to thousands of hours of content – including over-the-top. Launched six years ago as a TV Everywhere antidote to Netflix and OTT video, Comcast for the first time is offering Watchathon to Xfinity Internet-only subscribers … Continue reading “Comcast Returns ‘Watchathon’ Binge-Viewing Week”