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Spitfire Audio release Ólafur Arnalds Cells Spitfire Audio have teamed up with celebrated Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds to release Ólafur Arnalds Cells, combining live strings and analogue synths.
Spitfire Audio release Ólafur Arnalds Cells
www.soundonsound.comSpitfire Audio have teamed up with celebrated Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds to release Ólafur Arnalds Cells, combining live strings and analogue synths.
“We’ve never been in a stronger position”: Spotify releases its Third Quarter earnings for 2024Spotify has shared its Q3 earnings for 2024, with CEO Daniel Ek celebrating that the streaming platform has “never been in a stronger position”.
The brand says it has outperformed across key metrics, with its subscriber and user growth continuing to climb, and that it is well on its way to its first full year of profitability.READ MORE: Spotify wins lawsuit over Eminem’s publisher in licensing rights dispute
Across Q3, Spotify’s monthly active users grew by 11 percent year-over-year to 640 million, with subscribers having also increased by 12 percent to 252 million. Total revenue was up across the quarter by 19 percent year-over-year to €4 billion, with its gross margin reaching 31.1 percent. Operating Income has also improved to €454 million.
Within its report, Spotify has additionally summarised how its latest developments and features are continuing to expand around the world. These are as follows:Music videos: In beta, these are now available in 97 markets for Premium users.
AI Playlist feature: This continues to roll out in the US, Canada, and more, allowing Premium users to let AI curate playlists from their prompts and ideas.
Growing Daylist: This personalised playlist feature, which updates throughout the day, is now available to Free and Premium users worldwide, and is now supported in over 14 languages.
Countdown Pages: Eligible artists can now unlock Countdown Pages, where fans can pre-save albums, preview tracklists, buy merch, and countdown to releases.
Introduction of Livi: A new beta AI DJ, Livi, is now available in Spanish for Spanish-speaking Premium users worldwide.
First-ever on-platform voting feature: T-Pop fans were given the ability to vote for their favourite artists and influence who appeared on the TV show Thailand Music Countdown.Spotify also launched its own creative hub called Casa Spotify Buenos Aires back in August. The space is dedicated to elevating Argentine artists, and features a podcast studio, listening rooms, and an acoustic performance space.
Alongside its music-focused progression, Spotify has also grown features for its podcasts and audiobooks. Users now have the ability to comment under podcasts to continue discussion, and Premium users in non-English speaking countries including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg can now access over 200,000 titles via Audiobooks.
Ek comments, “I’m incredibly proud of the way we’ve delivered and the progress we’ve made. We’re where we set out to be – if not a little further – and on a steady path toward achieving our long-term goals. This relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to growth sets us up to deliver the most valuable user experience in the industry, while reinforcing the core strengths that make Spotify unique. I am very excited about what lies ahead for us.”
To find out more, head over to the Spotify Newsroom.
The post “We’ve never been in a stronger position”: Spotify releases its Third Quarter earnings for 2024 appeared first on MusicTech.“We’ve never been in a stronger position”: Spotify releases its Third Quarter earnings for 2024
musictech.comSpotify has shared its Q3 earnings for 2024, with CEO Daniel Ek stating that the streaming platform has “never been in a stronger position”.
- in the community space Music from Within
Turntable Labs’ social music platform Hangout launches with Sony, Universal and Warner dealsHangout launches with a catalog of over 100 million tracks
SourceTurntable Labs’ social music platform Hangout launches with Sony, Universal and Warner deals
www.musicbusinessworldwide.comThe platform lets users to create custom virtual spaces called ‘Hangouts’ where they can invite friends and take turns playing DJ.
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Trump allies say he’s likely to reverse TikTok ban (reports)Trump once sought to ban TikTok, but ended up using the app during the recent presidential election
SourceTrump allies say he’s likely to reverse TikTok ban (reports)
www.musicbusinessworldwide.comTrump once sought to ban TikTok, but ended up using the app during the recent presidential election.
Smyths Toys’ new iDance XD-301 DJ deck will have your child dropping beats like a proIt’s never too early to dive into the world of DJing, if Smyths Toys’ latest iDance XD-301 DJ controller is any indication.
Featuring a dual player setup and two 50-watt speakers, the iDance XD-301 is the “ultimate setup to showcase your talent” and is designed to help kids “kickstart [their] music adventures”, says the UK toy company.READ MORE: Fans reacting to Tyler, The Creator’s new album Chromakopia are getting copyright strikes – but he’s working overtime to reverse them
With LED sound pads, a MIC/AUX input, crossfader, pitch bend, bass booster effects and 2 space controllers for airplay, the XD301 DJ station offers “endless mixing possibilities”.
Users can gesture over the space control sensors to start the beats player, play jingles or drums, and add cool effects and a capellas to their tracks. The mix-drop function, meanwhile, allows you to effortlessly add sound effects, and take your mixes to new heights of creativity.
The DJ toy also comes with bluetooth, USB, and MP3 connectivity, and is rechargeable via USB. Each full charge gives you 4-8 hours of playtime. Priced at £59.99 or €69.99, the iDance XD-301 DJ deck is now available for purchase on the Smyths Toys website.
“Get ready to rock with the iDance XD-301 DJ Station at Smyths Toys Demo Days,” the brand wrote in an Instagram post introducing the new deck.
Check out the toy in action below.View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Smyths Toys Superstores (@smythstoys)
Electronic music toys have been all the rage of late. Earlier this year, Playtime Engineering launched the Blipbox MyTracks, a child-friendly, MPC-style sampler designed to make music production accessible to all.
Blipblox myTRACKS embraces a childlike, colourful aesthetic while also capturing the spirit of a hip-hop groovebox. There’s a built-in microphone for sampling, two FX processors and a slew of over 50 acoustic, electronic and percussion instrumental sounds to play with. You can even download sound packs online, which gives young creators plenty to work with.
Learn more at SmythsToys.
The post Smyths Toys’ new iDance XD-301 DJ deck will have your child dropping beats like a pro appeared first on MusicTech.Smyths Toys’ new iDance XD-301 DJ deck will have your child dropping beats like a pro
musictech.comIt’s never too early to dive into the world of DJing, if Smyths Toys’ latest iDance XD-301 DJ controller is any indication.
- in the community space Tools and Plugins
Origin Effects launch DELUXE55 amp-sim pedal The latest addition to the Origin Effects range pays tribute to one of Fender's most sought-after vintage valve amps.
Origin Effects launch DELUXE55 amp-sim pedal
www.soundonsound.comThe latest addition to the Origin Effects range pays tribute to one of Fender's most sought-after vintage valve amps.
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Mother Mother's TikTok RenaissanceCanadian indie rock band Mother Mother have come a long way from their days in the attic in Vancouver. A series of well-received albums and the group's sudden bombshell resurgence on TikTok in 2020 has cemented them amidst a new generation of fans, one which embraces the band's alien soundscape as their own.
Mother Mother's TikTok Renaissance
www.allmusic.comCanadian indie rock band Mother Mother have come a long way from their days in the attic in Vancouver. Though their commercial start may have been slow—only really kicking off…
23andMe cuts 40% of staff in restructuring23andMe announced on Monday it would cut 40% of its workforce, representing more than 200 employees, as part of a restructuring at the company. The genetic testing company is also discontinuing its therapeutics business and winding down its clinical trials; it expects these changes to save $35 million annually. “We are taking these difficult but […]
© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.23andMe cuts 40% of staff in restructuring | TechCrunch
techcrunch.com23andMe announced on Monday it would cut 40% of its workforce, representing more than 200 employees, as part of a restructuring at the company. The
Trader who lost $26M to copy-paste error says it’s been ‘max pain’A trader who lost $25 million after accidentally copying and pasting the wrong transfer address is offering a $2.5 million reward to white hackers in the hopes of getting their money back.
https://cointelegraph.com/news/trader-loses-26-million-copy-paste-error-max-pain?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inboundThis $22 MIDI gadget turns your smartphone into a fluteZefiro, a new USB-C MIDI controller, lets you use your smartphone as a wind instrument.
The device, which was developed by the Italian startup Artinoise, is a small mouthpiece with a USB-C connector. Simply plug it into the USB-C port of a compatible iOS or Android device and gently blow. The companion app lets you choose from a selection of virtual wind instruments and play them in real-time.
Artinoise is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to release Zefiro. Its goal is to raise a minimum of $5,300 to conclude production. At the time of writing, the campaign has raised $13,858 with a deadline of 12 December 2024.
“We have been developing and manufacturing musical instruments for years; now we just need to collect orders for our latest creation and kick off manufacturing!” says Artinoise on the page for the campaign.As of now, customers who contribute €22 will receive a Zefiro when they are ready to ship, which is presumed to be February 2025. Early contributors can also get a pro version for €39. This model includes an accelerometer, which can gauge the speed of air entering the device to make the result music more intricate. After development is complete, retail pricing for the standard model is expected to be €42.
The Zefiro’s technology is similar to that of other Electronic Wind Instruments — a term for an electronic instrument that uses functionality similar to a saxophone or clarinet. But since it’s electronic, musicians can explore sounds with the same capability as a synthesizer. EWIs have been pioneered by revered musicians such as the late great wind player, Michael Brecker, and AKAI has developed popular EWI models including the EWI Solo and EWI5000.
In that same vein, Zefiro’s app offers numerous options for music-making. Users can customise the sound and the position of the buttons that make the different notes. There are also built-in backing tracks and recording capabilities. Furthermore, for more advanced creators out there, the Zefiro can be used with any computer that has a USB-C input and is MIDI compatible as well. That means the Zefiro can also be used with DAWs like Ableton Live and Logic Pro.
Find out more at Kickstarter.com.
The post This $22 MIDI gadget turns your smartphone into a flute appeared first on MusicTech.This $22 MIDI gadget turns your smartphone into a flute
musictech.comArtinoise Zefiro, a new USB-C MIDI device, lets you use your smartphone as a wind instrument — and it's only $22 on Kickstarter.
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Spotify active users exceed 640 million, Stock jumps 10%Spotify active users now exceed 640 million monthly, the streamer reported on Tuesday. That's up 16 million in the last three months and 11% over the previous year. 252 million of those are paid Premium users.
The post Spotify active users exceed 640 million, Stock jumps 10% appeared first on Hypebot.Spotify active users exceed 640 million, Stock jumps 10%
www.hypebot.comSpotify active users continue to grow, now exceeding 640 million monthly. Find out the latest statistics in Spotify's Q3 2024.
Teaching Computers to Read — Sort OfIf you ask someone who grew up in the late 1970s or early 1980s what taught them a lot about programming, they’d probably tell you that typing in programs from magazines was very instructive. However, it was also very boring and error-prone. In fact, we’d say it was less instructional to do the typing than it was to do the debugging required to find all your mistakes. Magazines hated that and, as [Tech Tangents] shows us in a recent video, there were efforts to make devices that could scan barcodes from magazines or books to save readers from typing in the latest Star Trek game or Tiny Basic compiler.
The Cauzin Softstrip was a simple scanner that could read barcodes from a magazine or your printer if you wanted to do backups. As [Tech Tangents] points out, you may not have heard of it, but at the time, it seemed to be the future of software distribution.We were impressed that [Tech Tangent] had enough old magazines that he had some of the original strips. Byte Magazine had tried to promote a similar format, but there was no hardware made to read those barcodes.
Of course, there were other systems. For example, the HP-41C famously had a barcode scanner, although creating your own was clunky unless you reverse-engineered the “proper” format (which was done). The basic hardware used there also worked with Byte’s format, but you still had to interface the odd scanner to your computer.
Cauzin sidestepped all this with their product, which was simple-to-interface hardware with software support for the major platforms. However, by the time it was on the market, cheap magnetic media and modem-based bulletin boards were destroying interest in loading software from paper.
This is a great look at an almost forgotten technology. You could probably build something modern to scan these if you had the urge. These days, it would be easy enough to design your own system. Modern laser printers would probably make very dense barcodes.
We wouldn’t suggest making a Cauzin guitar, though. These days we have QR codes and even colorful barcodes.Teaching Computers to Read — Sort Of
hackaday.comIf you ask someone who grew up in the late 1970s or early 1980s what taught them a lot about programming, they’d probably tell you that typing in programs from magazines was very instructive.…
Thanks to AI, Jerry Garcia can now narrate your books, articles and other written materialIt’s been 29 years since Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia passed away, but Dead-heads can now hear the voice of their fallen idol again. Thanks to a new partnership between Garcia’s estate and ElevenLabs, an AI audio research and deployment company, fans can make a Jerry Garcia vocal model read all sorts of written content.
READ MORE: Waves is giving away a new plugin this Black Friday – here’s how you can sign up
Audiobooks, articles, poetry, and more can be heard not just in Garcia’s smoky elocution, but in 32 different languages via the ElevenReader app.
According to a statement from ElevenLabs, the company worked “in close collaboration with the Jerry Garcia Estate to ensure that the reproduction of Garcia’s voice was as authentic and true to his legacy as possible.” This new AI model of Garcia’s voice is also going to be used as part of upcoming projects by the Jerry Garcia Foundation.
“My father was a pioneering artist, who embraced innovative audio and visual technologies,” Jerry’s daughter, Keelin Garcia, tells Billboard. She is also vice president of the foundation.
“In the 1990s, my dad introduced me to the computer, digital art, and video games. When we travelled on concert tour, we played on [a Nintendo] Game Boy. At home, we’d have fun playing on the Macintosh in the studio where my father created his first digital art, and housed his MIDI guitar. Now, as technological landscapes continue to expand, ElevenLabs AI Audio technology will offer fans the first opportunity to hear and stream a replica of my father’s voice reading their favourite books and other written content.”
Garcia is not the first celebrity voice that ElevenLabs has recreated with the help of AI. Some of the notable examples include Judy Garland, James Dean, Burt Reynolds, and Sir Laurence Olivier, all of whom are part of the ‘Iconic Voice Collection.’
“By bringing voices like Jerry Garcia to our platform, we’re not just enhancing our app – we’re creating new ways for people to experience content. This project has been a labour of love, and we couldn’t be happier with how Jerry’s voice has been recreated. It’s a beautiful thing to bring his sound to life again for both longtime fans and a new generation of listeners,” said Dustin Blank, head of partnerships at ElevenLabs.
AI vocal models have surged in popularity in the past few years, with controversial results. The most widely known example is the fan-made song, Heart On My Sleeve with vocal models of The Weeknd and Drake. More recently, AI vocal platform Kits.AI came under fire for showing producers how to train a vocal model on Splice samples without authorisation.
Check out the Jerry Garcia model at elevenlabs.io.
The post Thanks to AI, Jerry Garcia can now narrate your books, articles and other written material appeared first on MusicTech.Thanks to AI, Jerry Garcia can now narrate your books, articles and other written material
musictech.comThe estate of the late, legendary guitarist and singer for the Grateful Dead signed a deal with AI company ElevenLabs to use his voice for various audio applications.
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Michael Sagov Drops FREE GReverb Plugin for Massive Reverbs
Michael Sagov launched the GReverb gigantic reverberator plugin as a free release in his Gumroad store. The indie dev released the plugin for Windows (VST3) and macOS (VST3, AU), with native support for Apple Silicone. Sagov describes the release as a true algorithmic reverberator that can create supermassive structures or small ambiance. He describes the [...]
View post: Michael Sagov Drops FREE GReverb Plugin for Massive ReverbsMichael Sagov Drops FREE GReverb Plugin for Massive Reverbs
bedroomproducersblog.comMichael Sagov launched the GReverb gigantic reverberator plugin as a free release in his Gumroad store. The indie dev released the plugin for Windows (VST3) and macOS (VST3, AU), with native support for Apple Silicone. Sagov describes the release as a true algorithmic reverberator that can create supermassive structures or small ambiance. He describes the
A Brief History of Cyrix, or How to Get Sued By Intel a LotIn a new installment on computer history, [Bradford Morgan White] takes us through the sordid history of Cyrix, as this plucky little company created the best math co-processors (FasMath) and then a range of interesting x86-compatible CPUs that would give competing x86 CPUs a run for their money. Even though Cyrix played by the rules of licensing agreements, Intel would keep suing Cyrix repeatedly since the 1980s well into 1990s, for a total of seventeen times until Cyrix counter-sued for patent violations in May of 1997.
This case was settled between Cyrix and Intel, with a cross-licensing agreement established. Unfortunately these mounting legal costs and the stresses of keeping up with the competition (i.e. Intel) was proving too much and Cyrix was sold off to National Semiconductor, who wasn’t enthusiastic about competing with Intel. After this Cyrix got split up into Geode (sold to AMD) and Cyrix Technologies (sold to VIA). Interestingly, VIA’s x86 patent licenses and patents ended up being the foundation of Zhaoxin: a joint venture between VIA and Shanghai’s government which produces x86 CPUs for primarily the Chinese market.
We looked at the Cyrix Cx486DLC processor a while ago, and why their 386 upgrade options were perhaps not that great. Their later CPUs have however left a strong legacy that seems to endure in some way to this day.A Brief History of Cyrix, or How to Get Sued By Intel a Lot
hackaday.comIn a new installment on computer history, [Bradford Morgan White] takes us through the sordid history of Cyrix, as this plucky little company created the best math co-processors (FasMath) and then …
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