Spotify is paying hundreds of millions for audiobooks annually; US audiobook users average five more hours on the app in the 60 days after starting a book (Sara Fischer/Axios)

Mediagazer: Spotify is paying hundreds of millions for audiobooks annually; US audiobook users average five more hours on the app in the 60 days after starting a book (Sara Fischer/Axios)

Top News:

Axios:

Spotify is paying hundreds of millions for audiobooks annually; US audiobook users average five more hours on the app in the 60 days after starting a book— - Without Spotify, the audiobook industry in the U.S. grew 14% in unit sales between Q4 2022 and Q4 2023, according to Bookstat.
Discussion: Spotify, Publishers Weekly, Neowin, The Bookseller, Digital Music News and Thurrott

Discussion:
Spotify: Spotify Launches Audiobooks in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg—and Premium Listeners Get Instant Access

Steve Bennett /
Neowin: Spotify launches Audiobooks in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg

Ashley King /
Digital Music News: Spotify Launches Audiobooks in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, & Luxembourg

New York Times:

Five ex-Pitchfork journalists launch online subscription music outlet Hearing Things, aiming to capture Pitchfork's independent spirit, starting at $70 per year— After the popular publication was folded into GQ, a group of them is striking out on its own. One of the first orders of business: doing away with album scores.

Discussion:

Jill Mapes /
@jillian_mapes: finally able to mention that some pals and I started our own music publication!!!!!!!!! @hearingthingsco https://hearingthings.co/

Tom Breihan /
@tombreihan: Exactly what the game's been missing. I cannot wait to see this thing soar.

Damon K /
@dada_drummer: Yes please

Jeremy D. Larson /
@jeremydlarson: So stoked for this huge crew @jillian_mapes @ryandombal @CineMasai_ @cushac @jawnita and for music journalism —> https://www.hearingthings.co/

J. Escobedo Shepherd /
@jawnita: Spent my summer (and spring!) making a music and culture publication with @ryandombal @jillian_mapes @CineMasai_ @cushac and gosh wow here we are :) https://www.hearingthings.co/

Ben Mullin /
@benmullin: new: Nearly a year ago, Condé Nast gutted Pitchfork. Now, a group of alumni are teaming up to build a new music magazine for the Tiktok/Spotify era https://www.nytimes.com/...

Ben Mullin /
@benmullin: Smart idea: The founders of Hearing Things are doing e-commerce links to the songs on their initial top-100 list https://www.hearingthings.co/ ... @pellz_: Would be dope if this could be like, the next stereogum. Real ones are at work on this, so big hopes. We should all support it, i'ma subscribe next week.

Mark Richardson /
@markrichardson: some old friends from the p4k days have started an online music mag! thrilled for them & excited to be reading @jillian_mapes @ryandombal @cushac @jawnita @CineMasai_ on music https://www.hearingthings.co/

Simon Owens /
@simondowens@threads.net: I always love it when journalist coworkers peel off to launch their own independent publication. It's basically a recognition that they were producing the majority of the value for their employer and yet were reaping a tiny portion of the revenue. — https://www.nytimes.com/...

Wall Street Journal:

The NYT sends a cease-and-desist letter to AI startup Perplexity to stop using its content; Perplexity says it is “interested in working with every” publisher— Publisher demands that Perplexity stop accessing its content. Startup isn't interested “in being anyone's antagonist,” CEO says.

Discussion:
TechCrunch, Reuters, The Information, The Verge, Seeking Alpha, PCMag, @scottadamssays, @rustybrick, @glenngabe, @brianstelter and @lutherlowe, more at Techmeme »

Discussion:

Rebecca Bellan /
TechCrunch: The New York Times has had it with generative AI companies using its content

Zaheer Kachwala /
Reuters: NYT sends AI startup Perplexity ‘cease and desist’ notice over content use, WSJ reports

Martin Peers /
The Information: NY Times Sends Perplexity a Cease and Desist Letter

Wes Davis /
The Verge: The New York Times warns AI search engine Perplexity to stop using its content

Ravikash Bakolia /
Seeking Alpha: New York Times sends Perplexity ‘cease and desist’ notice over content use: report

Scott Adams /
@scottadamssays: Try the Perplexity app for five minutes and tell me Google still has a business model. You might never use Google again.

Barry Schwartz /
@rustybrick: Why not respect the robots.txt?

Glenn Gabe /
@glenngabe: You mean the robots.txt block isn't working?... :) -> The NYT sends a cease-and-desist letter to AI startup Perplexity to stop using its content; Perplexity says it is “interested in working with every publisher” “In its letter to Perplexity, the Times asked the startup to [image]

Brian Stelter /
@brianstelter: The NYT “is picking another fight in the AI world. The publisher has sent generative-AI startup Perplexity a ‘cease and desist’ notice demanding that the firm stop accessing and using its content...” https://www.wsj.com/...

Luther Lowe /
@lutherlowe: Sometimes it's easy to forget all the ways Google “competes” on the “merits” 🙄 [image]

Financial Times:

Internal memo: the BBC plans to cut 155 BBC News jobs, including closing Asian Network News and the HARDtalk program, to save £24M, or 4% of BBC News' budget— Broadcaster hopes move will save £24mn from budget, according to internal memo sent to staff

Discussion:
The Guardian, Press Gazette, Advanced Television, @stephensackur, Telegraph, Daily Star, Deadline, @dougalshaw, @j_bloodworth, @winterdakhan, @mazzucatom, @mrpmharrison, @ericlatiff, @timothy_stanley, @joannenadler, @doylech, @lucy_pawle, @mathewhulbert, @pankajpachauri, @oflynnsocial, @carmenkamanlau, @goldenmatonga, @john_foremancbe, @aflemingbrown, @soniasodha, @helenclarknz, Prolific North, @gideonrachman, @piersmorgan, @kimghattas, @mikehughes_, @bill_emmott, Clean Feed, @raymondsnoddy, @tmchivers, @robburl, @thusi_kumar, @nickbryantny, @stephensackur, @amitbasu71, @martp132, @peterboghossian and @afneil

Discussion:

Bron Maher /
Press Gazette: BBC News to close Hardtalk and Asian Network news service in latest round of 185 job cuts

Stephen Sackur /
@stephensackur: THREAD: 1. PERSONAL NEWS: Today BBC News has announced plans to close @BBCHARDtalk after 3 decades holding the world's politicians and powerbrokers to account. This is sad news for me personally, but much more important, I think it's depressing news for the BBC🧵

James Warrington /
Telegraph: BBC News to cut 155 jobs to ‘balance the books’

Zara Woodcock /
Daily Star: BBC scraps show after 30 years as host breaks silence and says it's ‘depressing’

Max Goldbart /
Deadline: BBC Axes ‘HARDtalk’ As Dozens Of Layoffs Hit News Division

Dougal Shaw /
@dougalshaw: Sad to hear this @stephensackur. Hardtalk is a great show. I was lucky enough to work there for 4 years, working with both Tim Sebastian and yourself (including some memorable trips!). So much research goes into each interview. Good luck with your next adventure.

James Bloodworth /
@j_bloodworth: God what a terrible decision coming hot on the heels of the Newsnight fiasco

Winter Coffee /
@winterdakhan: Stephen, you took @BBCHARDtalk to a whole new level and your unbiased and deeply researched journalism speaks for itself. I urge you to continue your brilliant work in an independent fashion, like what @mehdirhasan is doing with @zeteo_news. Maybe even partner! @stephensackur

Mariana Mazzucato /
@mazzucatom: Terrible news! And especially after already ruining @BBCNewsnight turning it into a boring sofa sitting talk show.

Phil Harrison /
@mrpmharrison: Good grief. The BBC News and Current Affairs dept is being absolutely gutted. Tim Davie is a cultural vandal. He's destroying the Beeb before our eyes.

Eric Latiff /
@ericlatiff: BBC Hard Talk will be no more. Sad.

Tim Stanley /
@timothy_stanley: Sad, bad news.

Jo-Anne Nadler /
@joannenadler: @stephensackur Sadly the evidence suggests otherwise: so many serious shows jettisoned; On the Record gone, Panorama relegated, Newsnight emasculated, World Service cut (FO's fault) - even though audience appetite for long form serious interviews evident from success of countless podcasts.

Chris Doyle /
@doylech: Politicians will be relieved. No Hardtalk. Newsnight dumbed down. Are fact based, tough interviews a thing of the past?

Lucy Pawle /
@lucy_pawle: Some sad news. At a time of huge global upheaval & uncertainty, when holding decision-leaders around the world to account is more vital than ever, it's disappointing to learn the BBC plans to close HARDtalk. We are a small but mighty team, and it's been amazing to work here. @mathewhulbert: A truly shameful decision by the @BBC/@BBCNews to axe @BBCHARDtalk. A programme I've greatly watched, listened to, enjoyed, and learned from over many years. Sometimes the BBC is its own worst enemy. #BBCNews #BBCHardtalk

Pankaj Pachauri /
@pankajpachauri: Sad news. Now even @BBCWorld is not able to talk hard to world leaders. It was a crucial intervention on British diplomacy. #RIP

Patrick O'Flynn /
@oflynnsocial: Very sad to hear this. They occasionally made some rather dry choices of subjects to interview, but it was a proper cross-examination. Good programme. Axing it is evidence of more dumbing down. @carmenkamanlau: Remember back then it was sometimes depressing but most of the time amusing seeing Hong Kong politicians went on @BBCHARDtalk. It is very effective in delivering world news / foreign affairs indeed. 😭😭😭

Golden Matonga /
@goldenmatonga: Terrible news for all who love journalism. @john_foremancbe: Get rid of Newsnight, Hard Talk and reduce the reach of the World Service. But at least we've still got The One Show, Strictly, Lineker, and Mrs Brown's Boys. ‘Nation shall speak peace unto nation’ no more.

Alex Fleming-Brown /
@aflemingbrown: HARDtalk was responsible for many of my late night iPlayer binges. Sad to see it go.

Sonia Sodha /
@soniasodha: This is such a regrettable decision by the BBC

Helen Clark /
@helenclarknz: What is going on at the #BBC? @BBCHARDtalk is appreciated around the world for its searching interviews on critical issues. Its demise would be a major loss for journalism, broadcasting, and public accountability.

Chris Newbould /
Prolific North: 155 more jobs to go across BBC news operations

Gideon Rachman /
@gideonrachman: This is a great shame. I don't understand how the BBC can rightly talk up the importance of the BBC World Service as a means to fight back against misinformation- and then shut down BBC Worlds flagship current affairs programme

Piers Morgan /
@piersmorgan: What a shame. Always enjoyed HARDtalk and your masterful interrogations, even when it once me on the receiving end! Very surprised the BBC is ending it.

Kim Ghattas /
@kimghattas: Yet another terrible decision by the BBC, gutting the organisation inside out, closing down the best shows and the best channels. A real shame.... @stephensackur sad we won't see you on our screens anymore, thank you for years of amazing shows, will look out for your next move.

Bill Emmott /
@bill_emmott: @stephensackur @BBCHARDtalk That's terrible news. A really excellent show, in which you deepened an already excellent format. When so much in the media has gone shallow, the BBC should cherish depth and distinctiveness, and indeed boast about it

Raymond Snoddy /
@raymondsnoddy: Totally depressing and part of a pattern that includes the evisceration of Newsnight

Tom Chivers /
@tmchivers: Watch as politicians again line up to condemn the BBC's appalling cuts and closures (correct!), then refuse to increase its public funding and leave 15+ years of destructive cuts and commercialisation in place.

Rob Burley /
@robburl: So the BBC cuts the last long- form interview show on British TV. Really awful news.

Dr. Thusiyan Nandakumar /
@thusi_kumar: This is a real shame. I remember the @BBCHARDtalk grilling of Gotabaya Rajapaksa on war crimes in Sri Lanka and the fiery exchange that followed. This journalism was sorely needed in 2010, and probably even more so now. Best of luck @stephensackur. Hope this is not the end! [video]

Nick Bryant /
@nickbryantny: If ever there ever was a historical moment when the world needed BBC Hardtalk, with the brilliant @stephensackur at its helm, it is now. He's the best inquisitor in the business....

Stephen Sackur /
@stephensackur: Me too, Piers, believe me! But we've got a few months left to run, so how about we catch up in the @BBCHARDtalk studio before they switch the lights off?

Amit Basu /
@amitbasu71: What a ridiculous decision. @BBCHARDtalk is the most distinctive and best thing on BBC World / BBC News, and does a huge amount for its reputation overseas. We need more long form interviews with the powerful and influential, not fewer.

Martin Parker /
@martp132: This is a bizarre decision, getting rid of one of the few remaining long-form interview shows and one that is so highly regarded around the world. Never underestimate the capacity of the BBC to press the self-destruct button.

Peter Boghossian /
@peterboghossian: HARDtalk is indispensable. It's the only show that truly puts people's feet to the fire. Legacy media cannot and will not duplicate it. My sincere hope is that independent media picks up the show and retains @stephensackur and his team. This is a terrible loss.

New York Times:

Tina Brown, who became synonymous with Manhattan media in the 1980s and 1990s, launches Fresh Hell, a weekly Substack diary newsletter in “notebook form”— Tina Brown's decision to join Substack is a coup for the newsletter company, which considers prestigious names to be magnets …

Discussion:
Fresh Hell, @mediaevan and @jtes

Discussion:

Tina Brown /
Fresh Hell: Welcome to FRESH HELL: Tina Brown's Diary

Evan DeSimone /
@mediaevan: This is going to be ridiculous. That said, I am SUBSCRIBED. https://www.nytimes.com/...

Associated Press:

Taliban-run media stops showing images of living beings in some Afghan provinces to comply with morality laws, sparking press freedom concerns— Taliban run-media have stopped showing images of living beings in some Afghan provinces to comply with morality laws, an official confirmed Tuesday.

Discussion:
Telegraph, Times of India, Daily Mail, @natiqmalikzada, @visegrad24, LBC, The Independent, Global Village Space, @qaisalamdar, WION, Amu TV, Outlook India, Boing Boing and PetaPixel

Discussion:

Ed Holt /
Daily Mail: Taliban ban photographs of ‘all living things’ in Afghanistan, claiming it is forbidden under Islamic law

Natiq Malikzada /
@natiqmalikzada: The Taliban announced that they are banning the publication of images of living beings in the media. According to the Taliban's morality ministry, the rule will be enforced gradually. Many reports from the northern Takhar province indicates that they have banned local TV stations [image] @visegrad24: BREAKING: The Afghan Taliban announce they are introducing a new law banning the publication of images of living beings in the media [image]

Henry Moore /
LBC: Taliban bans all images of living things in Afghanistan The Independent: Taliban media forced to stop showing images of ‘living beings’ under strict new laws

Qais Alamdar /
@qaisalamdar: Don't be surprised, the Taliban banned images of living beings back in the 90s. They are reintroducing it now; which reinforces their core belief system and that they have not changed—even slightly. That being said, the generation growing up under the Taliban is a lost one. [image]

Mark Frauenfelder /
Boing Boing: Taliban bans all images of living things in Afghanistan

Jaron Schneider /
PetaPixel: The Taliban Bans Publishing Photos and Videos of All Living Things

The Wrap:

WBD plans to launch Max in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand on November 19, with pricing details to be announced— Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand also among new countries where you'll be able to see “Dune: Prophecy”

Discussion:
The Desk, Deadline, Media Play News, Broadband TV News, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Bloomberg, Reuters, WORLD SCREEN and Advanced Television

Discussion:

Matthew Keys /
The Desk: WBD to bring Max to Southeast Asia in November

Jesse Whittock /
Deadline: Warner Bros. Discovery's Max To Launch In Seven Asian Markets On November 19

Thomas K. Arnold /
Media Play News: Max Set to Launch Nov. 19 in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Other Asian Countries

Patrick Brzeski /
The Hollywood Reporter: Warner Bros. Discovery Confirms Max Launch in 7 Asian Markets in November

Patrick Frater /
Variety: Max Confirmed to Launch in Seven Asian Territories in November

Chandni Shah /
Reuters: Warner Bros Discovery to launch Max streaming in seven Asian markets in November

Kristin Brzoznowski /
WORLD SCREEN: Max Unveils Asia Expansion Plans

Adweek:

The Athletic names Fubo as its first streaming partner in a multi-year deal to integrate Fubo initially into live game blogs and then into newsletters and more— The partnership will see Fubo integrated throughout The Athletic's website — The New York Times sports publisher …

Discussion:

Ben Bowman /
The Streamable: Can You Watch ESPN+ on Fubo? @financewithjohn: This looks like it could be a strong partnership for both parties. The Athletic is owned by the NYT so they likely target a wealthier audience that fubo can zero in on too. I'm interested to see how this one plays out but we've already seen $fubo improving their retention metrics

Cory Adelson /
Cory Adelson on LinkedIn: After months of back-and-forth discussions, I'm excited to share our partnership with The Athletic! By pairing The Athletic's audience …

Sifted:

UK tech journalist Steve O'Hear, who worked for TechCrunch for over a decade before leaving to work in tech in 2021, and had muscular dystrophy, died at age 49— Former TechCrunch reporter Steve O'Hear has died after a short illness, his team announced today

Discussion:
TechCrunch, @mgsiegler, Cordelia Meacher on LinkedIn, @shonaghosh, Martin Sfp Bryant on LinkedIn, @mattwichrowski, Sam Shead on LinkedIn, @jamesliamcook, @yoda, @lynseybarber, @hkanji, Danvers Baillieu on LinkedIn, @amyrlewin, @richleighpr, @sarahdrinkwater, @megancaywood, @techcrunch, @mikebutcher, @riptari, @jimmym, @emilyjnicolle, @slh, Freya Pratty on LinkedIn, @matthewclifford, James Cook on LinkedIn, Ron Miller on LinkedIn, @tomwarren, @simonbalmain, @vojtech and Talking Biz News

Discussion:

Ingrid Lunden /
TechCrunch: In memory of Steve O'Hear

M.G. Siegler /
@mgsiegler: Awful news. Rest in peace @sohear https://sifted.eu/...

Cordelia Meacher /
Cordelia Meacher on LinkedIn: I'm absolutely devastated to hear that Steve O'Hear has died. A huge huge loss to the tech and investment ecosystem without a doubt, and he will be much missed. …

Shona Ghosh /
@shonaghosh: This is a sad loss for journalism and tech. Steve was always incredibly gracious and friendly, and I'll miss our dorkout chats about UK tech. https://sifted.eu/...

Martin Sfp Bryant /
Martin Sfp Bryant on LinkedIn: This is so sad. RIP Steve O'Hear. What an absolute legend of tech journalism. — He was a formidable rival when he was at TechCrunch …

Matt Wichrowski /
@mattwichrowski: Rest in peace Steve. Few people in EU tech have as great of a reputation for as long as Steve has. He was a funny, charming, straight shooter. He was a friend and role model in many, many ways. https://sifted.eu/...

Sam Shead /
Sam Shead on LinkedIn: Absolutely devestated to learn of Steve O'Hear's passing. — He was a tenacious reporter for TechCrunch for many years, as well as an ambitious founder himself. …

James Cook /
@jamesliamcook: I'm floored to hear of the death of Steve O'Hear. His passion for journalism was unwavering and his knowledge of technology was unsurpassed. I had the pleasure of being journalistic rivals with Steve and becoming friends with him. He'll be greatly missed https://sifted.eu/... [image]

Drew Olanoff /
@yoda: just learned of @sohear's passing. so sad. what an incredible force. https://sifted.eu/...

Lynsey Barber /
@lynseybarber: Really can't believe this news. @sohear was a fantastic journalist and person, incredibly kind. A big loss and thoughts with his family, friends and loved ones https://sifted.eu/...

Hussein Kanji /
@hkanji: Sad to lose a friend in this industry. My condolences to his wife and his colleagues at his own firm. https://sifted.eu/...

Danvers Baillieu /
Danvers Baillieu on LinkedIn: Terribly sad to hear that Steve O'Hear has died. He was shrewd observer of the tech scene and of the people in it, as well as an articulate champion for people with disabilities. …

Amy Lewin /
@amyrlewin: News I never wanted to be sharing 💔 Legendary tech journalist Steve O'Hear has died. Steve was a friend and mentor to many of us at Sifted, and we'll dearly miss him. https://sifted.eu/...

Rich Leigh /
@richleighpr: Incredibly sad news. @sohear was essential to the UK tech scene, and as this piece touches on, he bloody loved keeping us PRs on our toes. I'm grateful, as he made me better at my job by him being so very good at his. https://sifted.eu/...

Sarah Drinkwater /
@sarahdrinkwater: Shocked + sad @sohear passed away last week. He was a critical part of the early London startup scene, a journalist of real curiousity + integrity, a fellow Atomico angel and I thought he would have many more acts. To Steve https://sifted.eu/...

Megan /
@megancaywood: Have just seen the very sad news about @sohear 😞🤍 He was a friend, an ally in the industry, and a phenomenal tech journalist. He was excellent at distilling complex news and getting the best scoops. Can't believe he's gone. He will be very missed. https://sifted.eu/... @techcrunch: The TechCrunch team is very sad to learn that our colleague of many years Steve O'Hear has passed away. Learn more about his life and legacy below. https://sifted.eu/...

Mike Butcher /
@mikebutcher: In memory of Steve O'Hear | @sohear A beloved friend and colleague. TechCrunch has lost one of its best. Steve O'Hear, who wrote for TechCrunch for more than a decade out London, has passed away after a short illness. He was 49. ❤️ https://techcrunch.com/...

Jimmy McLoughlin /
@jimmym: This is so incredibly sad. Steve was right at the forefront of London's technology boom of the 2010s An incredible eye for spotting a story, which he transferred into spotting talent on his own entrepreneurial journey. Rest In Peace. https://sifted.eu/...

Emily Nicolle /
@emilyjnicolle: so, so sad. always a champion of others, Steve took me under his wing when i was starting out as a journalist in 2017. he was vociferous on raising industry standards, from better support for disabled people to respect for the press. he'll be dearly missed https://sifted.eu/...

Susan Hobbs /
@slh: Incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of my former colleague, @sohear. A talented journalist, a quick wit, & a truly lovely person. I recall the Disrupt when he was ready to take the stage for his first interview — glad to read that he kept cracking. https://sifted.eu/...

Freya Pratty /
Freya Pratty on LinkedIn: Steve was so generous with his advice for younger reporters — I learnt so much from calls with him. His love for reporting and sneakily scooping was really infectious. …

Matt Clifford /
@matthewclifford: I'm so, so sad to hear that @sohear has died. Steve was a brilliant journalist - extremely smart, relentlessly curious and just really really cared about being right (and first!). A true legend of UK tech.

James Cook /
James Cook on LinkedIn: I'm deeply saddened to learn of the death of Steve O'Hear, one of the most passionate and principled people I've had the fortune of meeting. …

Ron Miller /
Ron Miller on LinkedIn: OMG. Absolutely shattered. Steve was a tremendous guy and just a phenomenal journalist, whom I worked with for a long time at TC. …

Tom Warren /
@tomwarren: sad to hear former TechCrunch reporter Steve O'Hear has died, aged 49. I was only just working on a story with him in July. He was a well respected London tech reporter that has passed far too soon. What a loss, RIP Steve https://techcrunch.com/...

Simon Balmain /
@simonbalmain: This is extremely sad news. RIP @sohear 😔 Steve covered the fintech scene in the UK with heart and depth - and I'd often notice him hanging out on the @monzo forum looking for clues! https://sifted.eu/... @vojtech: Sad to hear the news of Steve passing. One of the great tech journalists and comms professionals who deserves a lot of credit for helping European tech get to where it is today. ❤️ RIP https://sifted.eu/...

Chris Roush /
Talking Biz News: TechCrunch honors former staffer O'Hear

Adweek:

Amazon expands its suite of AI-powered ad tools to let US advertisers use generative AI to make audio ads, available now in beta, and unveils AI creative studio— The tech giant announced new products at its annual ad conference — Soon, you'll hear more audio ads on Amazon's properties that were created with generative AI.

Discussion:
MediaPost, About Amazon and Mumbrella, more at Techmeme »

Discussion:

Laurie Sullivan /
MediaPost: Amazon Launches An Audio Generator For Ads About Amazon: Amazon Ads Launches New AI Tools for Advertisers - AI Creative Studio and Audio Generator

Neil Griffiths /
Mumbrella: The dark side of generative AI: How using AI in marketing, advertising and communications can expose confidential organisational information

9to5Google:

YouTube rolls out new features: granular playback speed controls, an improved miniplayer on iOS and Android, updated playlists, a sleep timer, and more— YouTube is making official a number of updates that it's been testing in recent months, like the new miniplayer and several design updates.

Discussion:
YouTube Official Blog, The Wrap, Engadget, TechCrunch, Gizmodo, Neowin, The Verge, Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Digital Trends and 9to5Google, more at Techmeme »

Discussion:

Matthew Darby /
YouTube Official Blog: All in the details: Keep your eyes peeled for these new features coming to YouTube

Lucas Manfredi /
The Wrap: YouTube to Add Customizable Playback Speeds, Collaborative Playlists in New Update

Ivan Mehta /
TechCrunch: YouTube gets better playback speed controls, collaborative playlists in new update

Dua Rashid /
Gizmodo: YouTube Is Finally Adding a Sleep Timer

John Callaham /
Neowin: YouTube is adding a Sleep Timer, improving its mini-player, and more with new updates

Dade Hayes /
Deadline: YouTube App Updates Include “Fine-Tunable” Playback Speed, Sleep Timer And A More “Cinematic Feel” For TV Viewers

Alex Weprin /
The Hollywood Reporter: YouTube Unveils Major Product Update With Sleep Timer, AI Playlist Thumbnails and More

Phil Nickinson /
Digital Trends: YouTube updates will help you sleep and speed things up

Abner Li /
9to5Google: YouTube redesign tweaks bottom bar, adds frosted glass, new landscape mode, more

TechCrunch:

Spotify starts rolling out music videos in beta for Premium subscribers in 85 additional markets, after introducing the feature in 12 markets earlier in 2024— Music streaming company Spotify said today that it is testing music videos for premium users in 85 additional markets.

Discussion:
Thurrott, Benzinga, Spotify, Neowin, The Verge, Music Business Worldwide and Digital Music News, more at Techmeme »

Discussion:

Laurent Giret /
Thurrott: Spotify Brings Music Videos to 85 New Markets

Anusuya Lahiri /
Benzinga: Spotify Rolls Out Music Videos to 85 Markets, Boosting Engagement for Premium Users

Pradeep Viswanathan /
Neowin: Spotify Music Videos now available in 97 markets around the world

Emma Roth /
The Verge: Spotify's music videos are coming to more subscribers — but not in the US, yet

Daniel Tencer /
Music Business Worldwide: Spotify expands music videos to 85 new markets

Dylan Smith /