3.31.2015
Good to Know: No more lame texts. Magisto Shot, an app related to FB messenger, wants to bring you what its founder Oren Boiman calls Video 2.0. Basically, Boiman wants to bring back body language, facial gestures, etc. through video messages. We’re interested.
THE SKINNY.
I’M A HUST-LAH…
Earlier this week, Jay Z launched his new music streaming service, Tidal. To be fair, it’s actually a re-launch. Hova through one of his companies, Project Panther Bidco, put up $54 million to purchase Tidal from its former owner Stockholm based company Aspiro.
Ok, And?
We know what you’re thinking … what makes this any different from Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or other existing music streaming services? Tidal is being marketed as offering high definition music streaming services as well as access to HD music videos and industry news courtesy of the company’s editorial team. Unlike Spotify, there is no “free” option. Basic service will cost about $10 and premium service twice that amount at $20. #RICH
Why Should I Consider It?
During the Tidal press event (which according to popular opinion was a bit off), big name artists like Rihanna, Kanye West, Madonna, Daft Punk, and Beyonce (obvi) to name a few are supporters of Tidal. It’s reported that these artists will stream exclusively on the platform. Even Taylor Swift who caused an uproar not too long ago by pulling her entire catalog of music from Spotify wants in (1989 is still out of the question though). Other than personal and professional relationships to lock in these artists, it looks like Tidal’s promise to pay these artists more per stream than other existing services is a good selling point for their participation. #TIDALforALL
Don’t Knock It Before You Try It?
Tidal is offering a 30-day free trial. Interested? Try it out and let us know how you feel. Tweet us at @Briefed_me!
What Else is Going On?
In Other Music News …
Apple and Beats are teaming up for its very own music service to rival Spotify and now Tidal. This service is in addition to its iTunes Radio. Pricing will be on par with its competitors since Apple was unsuccessful in securing a $2 markdown from $10 to $8. Also, on the global scene, Alibaba is making good on its promise to be the world’s largest digital empire. The Chinese e-commerce site just secured a digital distribution deal with BMG, a German music rights group. BMG exec Hartwig Masuch sees this deal as a huge opportunity, “Internet and paricular mobile media are quickly providing an answer to the music industry’s long-time challenge of how to monetize the vast untapped potential of the Chinese market.”
Stepping Up to the Plate …
Tech industry leaders are jumping into social issues in the aftermath of Indiana’s new law. What law? Well, ICYMI the state’s Republican Governor Mike Pence recently signed into law the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The issue is this new law could potentially lead to discrimination against the LGBT community. Arkansas passed a similar bill. In a joint statement out today by many tech leaders, the group said, “To ensure no one faces discrimination and ensure everyone preserves their right to live out their faith, we call on all legislatures to add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes to their civil rights laws and to explicitly forbid discrimination or denial of services to anyone.” Sidenote: Pence is rumored to be considered a 2016 presidential run. This should be interesting …
Other Woes …
It’s that time of the year again and the tech community is not pleased. April 1 marks the period where U.S. immigration accepts H-1B wok visa applications. In recent years, demand has always outpaced supply when it comes to potential employees and their employers securing these visas. This year won’t be any different. There are 85k visas available, and the U.S. government expects to reach this cap in just five days. Immigration reform can’t come soon enough …
The Streets Are Talkin’
Amazon is expanding its service offerings with “Home Services.” This service will make it easier for shoppers to reach local service providers (e.g., TaskRabbit, Dish satellite-TV service, etc.). Also, the Web company recently announced its “Dash Button,” which allows consumers to place orders for essential household items by simply pushing a button. #ThatWasEasy #MaybeTooEasy
As Heidi Klum says, “one day you’re in, next day you’re out.” And, it looks like Meerkat is out and Periscope (Twitter’s answer to the app) is in.