pandora

Internet radio, Fuzz style: Where humans upstage the algorithms

Any entrepreneur taking a crack at a digital music startup must either be super determined, completely crazy, or a both. The chances of legal run-ins with the labels are high. And even when you play by the rules, the rights payments are so steep that making a profitable business is all but impossible.

Yet this isn't deterring Jeff Yasuda, a 40-year-old venture capitalist turned entrepreneur who's been doggedly running music startups since 2006. His latest, Fuzz (the same name as his first startup), comes out of stealth mode today after a year of building a team -- one … Read more

Rumor Has It: The next next big thing is almost here?

The iPhone 5 should be arriving on millions of doorsteps any moment now (hopefully), so it's time to tally up the scorecards and see how we did. Did we vote that it'd get a bigger screen? How about NFC? Watch the video above and see how we did and how you guys did at home.

Also this week, the next big thing might already be here, but you know what might be coming really soon? The next big thing after the next big thing. What? Also, someone could have a Pandora rival up its sleeves. Bet you can'… Read more

Spotify readying browser-based version, says report

Spotify is preparing to launch a browser-based version of its popular music service, according to a report.

It's unknown whether the new product will replace the current desktop version, which requires downloading a player, TechCrunch reports, citing unnamed sources. Spotify is currently available by way of the downloadable desktop software or by mobile app.

A browser-based version of Spotify would be available to users on any PC, rather than just the one with the downloaded player.

According to TechCrunch's sources, Spotify is also working to improve the ways users can discover new music. Spotify listeners can already subscribe … Read more

No option to remove ads on Kindle Fires

Friday's tech news roundup is bracing for the mini-tablet price war:

UPDATE: Amazon has had a change of heart over the weekend and reversed its stance on lock-screen ads. Find the follow-up report on Monday's Update.

Amazon's new generation of Kindle Fire tablets will have Special Offers and Sponsored Screensavers on the home lock-screen, and you won't be able to pay extra to take it off. For the e-ink readers, Amazon has offered ways to pay a small fee, about $20, to take the ads off. But these ads are not coming off the new tablets. … Read more

Pandora shareholders hear Apple's footsteps; stock tumbles

Pandora has already run into trouble as investors digest reports that Apple may launch a rival music service.

As of 9:45 a.m. PT, Pandora shares had fallen more than $2, a 17 percent drop.

The freefall follows a story in yesterday's Wall Street Journal that Apple is aiming to kick off its own online music service. Sources told the Journal that Apple is speaking with record labels to license music for a service that would let users create their own custom music stations based on their favorite songs and artists.

The service would reportedly be targeted for … Read more

Apple in talks to create custom Net music service, says report

Apple may be looking to expand its dominance of the online music landscape with a Pandora-like service.

The company is in talks with record companies to license music for a custom music service that would create "virtual" music stations based on a song or artist of choice, sources familiar with the matter tell The Wall Street Journal. The service would reportedly operate on the family of Apple devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and Macs, and possibly on Microsoft's Windows.

However, Google's Android operating system would be cut off, one source said, as a result of the … Read more

The 404 1,110: Where we're more than meats the eye (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Google may start a same-day delivery service that uses automated vehicles.

- YouTube is the No. 1 source of music for teenagers.

- People also spend more time watching their phones than television.

- 3D printed meat: It's what's for dinner.

- 'The Price is Right' seeking first male model.

Bathroom break video: Why should I be on the Internet?… Read more

Stay motivated with free, fast-paced GetWorkDoneMusic

Background music can serve as a great tool for motivation and inspiration. For those times when you need a higher level of productivity and concentration, chances are you're looking for some faster music. This is where GetWorkDoneMusic.com comes to your rescue.

Ryan Ghods, creator of GetWorkDoneMusic, offered this explanation behind building the Web site:

Music is one of my ultimate, super-productivity life hacks. A great, seamless blend of tracks keeps me going on a single task without getting distracted. Somewhat of a drummer to the work I'm doing, so I don't go and open … Read more

Spotify brings Pandora-like free streaming to Android

Spotify is bringing Android users into its Pandora-like free streaming service.

The company announced this morning that Android-based Spotify users can now create stations through its application and listen to "millions of songs" from the program. After creating stations and listening to tracks, users can customize what plays by giving a track a thumbs-up or a thumbs-down. In addition, users can save songs they like.

If this sounds familiar, it's because Pandora offers about the same functionality through its own service. And like Pandora, Spotify will play ads to nonpaying subscribers. Those who are Spotify Premium users … Read more