Reddit Talk, the social site’s Clubhouse-like social audio product, is rolling out a handful of updates aimed at allowing hosts to better engage with listeners. Among these is a new soundboard for audio effects and a topic selector, that allows hosts to select up to three topics for their tal…
I’m not too worried about recommending another (few) tech podcasts
Welcome to Startups Weekly, a fresh human-first take on this week’s startup news and trends. To get this in your inbox, subscribe here. I’m out this week, but that doesn’t mean I’m leaving you alone. TechCrunch has been not-so-quietly growing its podcast universe. So, I thought I’…
Review: Sonos Ray soundbar is an easy upgrade that will leave you wanting more
Sonos went a bit further downmarket recently with the Ray, a smaller and cheaper soundbar than the Beam, itself a smaller, cheaper soundbar than the Arc. But while the Ray performs well, it doesn’t quite earn its premium and leaves one feeling that they should have just gone for something big…
Facebook is shutting down its podcast service, discontinuing other audio products
Facebook is shutting down its podcast service on June 3rd barely a year after its launch. The social media giant told TechCrunch that it’s also going to discontinue its short-form audio Soundbites feature and its Audio hub in the coming weeks. Facebook will also integrate its Live Audio Rooms…
Facebook is losing interest in its podcasting plans, new report claims
Last April, Facebook announced a suite of new audio products, including new support for podcasts and a Clubhouse live audio competitor, which was an indication that it was taking the threat from other audio platforms more seriously. Now, barely a year after Facebook began its foray into podcasting …
Spotify puts its Podz acquisition to use with test of new podcast discovery feature
Last summer, Spotify acquired podcast discovery platform Podz for roughly $49.4 million, per an SEC filing, to help accelerate the streamer’s extensive investments in podcasts. Now, Spotify is testing a feature that leverages the startup’s technology to help users find new podcasts they…
Facebook launches an ‘Audio’ hub in the US for podcasts, live audio and short-form clips
Facebook is expanding its investment in audio initiatives with the launch of a new “Audio” destination in its mobile app in the U.S., where users will be able to discover in one place all the audio formats Facebook now hosts, including podcasts, Live Audio Rooms and short-form audio. Th…
Today, the Sonos Beam is getting a major upgrade. The new, second-generation Beam goes on sale today for $449 and will be available on October 5th, and includes Dolby Atmos support.