Spotify Launches Apple Watch App; Pandora Debuts Podcast Genome Project

Spotify has launched its long-awaited Apple Watch app. The app allows users to control the playback of Spotify’s streaming service from their Watch’s screen, as well as connect to devices like their computer, Wi-Fi speaker and more through Spotify Connect, toggle on Shuffle, access music playlists and other recently played items, favorite tracks with a heart, and more.

Pandora is aiming to change all that with its ambitious new Podcast Genome Project, a system of recommendations inspired by their signature Music Genome analysis method, which was initially announced by CEO Roger Lynch in January and launches in beta today.

NetEase has been investing heavily to support the budding careers of independent musicians with the aim of generating a fresh supply of high-quality content.

Startup Stashimi is one of the companies launching messaging bots for musicians and brands, and it seems to have some traction.

Rumours about Spotify's impending debut in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have been bubbling. Today, it launched in 13 countries in the region.

Prince fans are in for a treat every Friday through Christmas.

This chart shows the gross margin of Spotify and Netflix.

Amazon Music, has begun its first ever marketing campaign in the US, UK and Germany along with a platform launch today in Mexico.

Sahar Elhabashi is joining Spotify, where she will work with Dawn Ostroff, her former boss at Condé Nast Entertainment.

Pandora has named veteran music/technology public relations executive Jason Roth as its new Head of Product and Partnership Communications.

Disney will soon own a 60% stake in video-streaming service Hulu, thanks to its buyout of 21st Century Fox. That will give the company a bigger influence over Hulu’s strategy, including global expansion - which could have an impact for music-streaming service Spotify.

At Music Ally's Sandbox Summit London conference last month, I gave a talk about what Fortnite and esports could mean for music marketing