Google adding music to search
Google pretty much has its bases covered. Looking for an image? There's Google Images. Looking for a video? Video results appear in search. As do products.
But one thing has been noticeably absent: music. Which is not an insignificant fact given that two of the top 10 search queries in the United States are music-related. But Google being Google, it has a plan for music.
Spotify launches MP3 download service
Spotify, the joyous music app, has launched an updated download service, seemingly in a bid to generate additional revenue.
The move comes a month or so after Spotify enabled offline access for both the deskptop and iPhone app. It makes it much easier to purchase songs, by promoting the download service via highly visible icons. Previously you had to jump through hoops if you wanted to buy music via Spotify.
Songs cost 79p and full albums are available for £7.99, though not every song or album can currently be purchased. Downloads can be added to Spotify playlists in the usual way.
App review: Spotify on iPhone
The eagerly awaited Spotify app is now available for download for UK and European mobile users to download, for both Android and iPhone users.
The app allows you to sync playlists, stream music to your phone through a wi-fi connection, and best of all, to access playlists when you are offline.
I've been trying the new Spotify iPhone app out...
Songkick launches as IMDB for concerts
London-based startup Songkick has just launched its social network for gig-goers, which lists a million gigs, new and old.
The Songkick site is a database of concerts and tour histories crawled from around the web, so users can not only see upcoming gigs, but add pictures, ticket stubs, and review and reminisce about their favourite concerts.
UK internet users like ads, sort of
It's commonly accepted in the online publishing world that internet users don't like ads. While 'hate' might be strong word, it's hard to argue that advertising is an internet user's best friend.
For publishers relying on ads to pay the bills, that usually means one thing: striking an appropriate balance. Enough ads to pay the bills, not so many ads that your users 'hate' you.
Q&A David Maher Roberts on music recommendation service The Filter
Backed by Peter Gabriel, The Filter is a recommendation engine that provides users with suggestions for music, movies and videos.
I've been talking to CEO David Maher Roberts about how The Filter has progressed since it launched last year, its recommendation services, and its applications for other businesses...
Site review: Spotify
Swedish startup Spotify launched its online music streaming service in public beta a few months ago, looking to compete with established music sites like Last.fm.
Offering either subscription or ad supported version of its service, Spotify offers the artist and related tracks radio that is a feature of Last.fm, but has also provided a good range of tracks that can be listened to on-demand.
Is a new broadband 'tax' to fight piracy on the way?
The battle against digital piracy is one of the most controversial subjects when it comes to the online economy.
The wide availability of peer-to-peer filesharing services and websites that promote content sharing has been a thorn in the side of the recording and movie industries.
Report: Apple inks deals for DRM-free music, variable pricing on iTunes
Apple has reached a deal with the three largest music labels - Sony BMG, Universal and Warner Music - to offer their music DRM-free on iTunes, according to reports.
As part of the deal, Apple will give the labels something that they have wanted for some time - flexibility on pricing.
All I want for Christmas ... is a new mobile phone
One of the first lessons in usability is that people vary and that designing for ‘average’ doesn’t work. Nowhere is this more true than in the highly competitive world of mobile phone design.
Actually I don’t want a new mobile because I have an iPhone and I love it. Of course, it’s not perfect but once again Apple has demonstrated that it understands the importance of the ‘user experience’. Even its cardboard box is beautiful.
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Web 2.0
Graham Charlton
Strategy & Planning
