Category: Technology News

Streaming music service launches at Amazon

| October 14, 2016

The online marketplace has released its full on-demand service called Amazon Music Unlimited.

It feels as though rumors about an Amazon streaming music service have been around forever. As of this week, the company launched Amazon Music Unlimited. It is meant to function as a rival to Google Play Music, Apple Music and Spotify. That said, Amazon has worked hard to make its offerings stand out.

There are many ways in which Amazon Music Unlimited is different from other options on the market.

That said, the price of a subscription is likely what makes this streaming music service the most different. In the U.S., it has launched at $79 per year or $7.99 per month for Prime members. This is notably less expensive than the premium Spotify and Apple Music options. Moreover, customers who own an Amazon Echo voice-controlled gadget will be able to subscribe for music at only $3.99 per month.

Streaming Music Service - Google Play MusicThat said, at the very heart of the service is one that is quite similar to the competition. It has an enormous catalog of songs. It also includes a recommendation engine to help users to discover new music. The service has a contract with the three largest music labels in addition to a solid number of indie labels. It can allow users to create their own playlists though algorithmic playlists are also available.

The Amazon streaming music service is available for Android, iOS, Sonos and desktop users.

Naturally, it is also available through the Amazon set-top boxes as well as its Fire tablets. The company’s new Music apps have been entirely recreated and overhauled. They have new navigation, typography and place a greater focus on album art and imagery.

These applications also offer a number of interesting features. For instance, users can automatically download music the company’s algorithms think they will like. This function occurs in the background so users can benefit from offline listening, too. Lyrics integration has also been included in the mix.

Amazon is focusing the marketing of its new streaming music service on its sleek integration with the Echo devices and with Alexa voice assistant.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Dead?

| October 12, 2016

Several reports indicate that the Korean electronics company is suspending production of the device.

Since the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 launch, the company has faced one nightmare after the next. The problems may have just reached a new high point. Yonhap News, the largest news agency in South Korea, reports a suspension of the company’s flagship smartphone.

The South Korean News agency cited a source inside Samsung’s supply chain.

The source, who remained anonymous, explained that “This measure includes a Samsung plant in Vietnam that is responsible for global shipments (of the Galaxy Note 7).” At the time of the writing of this article, an official confirmation of the suspension of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 production had not been made.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 - Image of Samsung mobile phoneThat said, it would not be impossible to believe that this step would be taken. The new flagship smartphone from Samsung has seen nothing but problems since its first launch. This included safety problems in the United States.

Both AT&T and T-Mobile stopped selling the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 when several caught fire.

There were five separate incidents in the United States in which the Samsung smartphones caught fire. This was reportedly a problem with the battery. Moreover, an Australian telecom company called Telstra may also be doing the same thing. The Verge reported that it had access to a memo from the company saying the Galaxy Note 7 would soon be withdrawn not only from its own shelves, but from stores worldwide.

As published on The Verge, the memo explained that “Samsung has temporarily paused the supply of new Galaxy Note 7 smartphones following a reported incident in a replacement phone in the US. Samsung is confident in the replacement Note 7 and says they have no reason to believe it’s not safe.” That said, it also indicated that it would be progressing to create a “replacement Note 7.” No further information was shared about that mobile device.

On October 10th, Reuters reported that the electronics giant confirmed it would be “adjusting shipment volumes.” This move was being made to give the company the opportunity to hold in-depth inspections and to ensure proper quality control was in place. That said, it did not say anything further about ceasing the production of its product.