Latest news with #YouTubeMusic
IOL News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Believe it or not: CDs are back to steal the spotlight from streaming
Like vinyl records surging back into popularity over the past decade, CDs, which many believed had faded into obscurity, are once again capturing the interest of music enthusiasts across South Africa and beyond. Image: Pexels/ Emine Canpolat Believe it or not, but amidst the sprawling dominance of digital music platforms, compact discs (CDs) are experiencing a revival that seems almost conflicting in the age of streaming. Like vinyl records surging back into popularity over the past decade, CDs, which many believed had faded into obscurity, are once again capturing the interest of music enthusiasts across South Africa and beyond. Not so long ago, physical media formats felt like antiques of the past. The rapid rise of smartphones and digital streaming services such as Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, and YouTube Music led to a noticeable decline in CD sales. Manufacturers even began to phase out CD drives from laptops and cars, further diminishing the physical format's relevance. SA saw significant ramifications from this decline, with prominent music retail chains like Musica effectively closing the curtain on physical sales when it shut its doors for good in May 2021. Adding a dash of intrigue to this unexpected revival was South African singer-songwriter Zonke, who took a bold step by releasing her latest album "Embo" on CD, USB, and vinyl in 2023. Zonke's decision to release her album through these physical formats marked a deliberate return to an old-school approach that goes against the tide of widespread digital releases. In a post on her social media, she expressed her desire to offer fans something tangible in a world saturated with ephemeral digital music. 'As we all know, digital platforms are crowded, and most people go there and drown because it's crowded,' Zonke articulated. 'Even the best music drowns there, so I felt that it's not a platform for me. My old music will stay there; however, for this album, I just want to try new things, even if those things are old these days.' Her commitment to embracing the CD format was not merely a whimsical throwback, but rather a strategic decision stemming from the feedback collected at her concerts. Many of her fans, who share her passion for collecting music and appreciating the finer details of album art and liner notes, echoed a desire for physical formats. 'So I wanted to try this old school way of doing things, going back to CDs,' she said. So why the resurgence? The nostalgia factor For many, CDs represent a cherished part of their musical journey, with beautifully designed album covers and liner notes that were a staple of the listening experience. The nostalgic allure of holding a physical piece of art has led fans to seek out new releases in CD form to relive the joy of collecting. Additionally, music enthusiasts often share memories tied to their favourite albums while flipping through their CD collections, creating a shared experience that digital downloads simply cannot match. The return to quality Another critical factor in the resurgence of CDs is the audio quality that they offer. With the rise of lossy formats in the digital realm, many audiophiles are dissatisfied with the sound quality of streaming music. CDs, on the other hand, boast a higher fidelity sound that appeals to those who desire a truly immersive listening experience. As more artistically inclined musicians seek to cater to their dedicated fanbase, the emergence of limited edition and remastered albums on CD formats adds an enticing layer to this musical renaissance. Vinyl's influence on consumer behaviour Interestingly, the renewed interest in vinyl records has also played a crucial role in bringing CDs back into the limelight. Just as vinyl records are celebrated for their analog warmth and distinct sound, CDs are being recognised for their own unique advantages - portability and durability, to name a few. The comparison of these formats leads consumers to reconsider their preferences, creating a landscape where CDs stand shoulder to shoulder with their vinyl counterparts, each offering its unique charm.
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Mahira Khan responds to 'Raees' poster removal: 'I couldn't care less'
Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, who starred alongside Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan in the 2017 blockbuster film Raees, has finally broken her silence over the removal of her image from the film's promotional materials in India. While promoting her upcoming Eidul Azha release Love Guru with co-star Humayun Saeed, Mahira Khan was asked about her reaction to the decision by Indian distributors to edit her out of Raees posters. Responding with calm confidence, she said, 'It didn't bother me at all. In fact, I laughed. It was such a petty and ridiculous move.' Mahira added that Pakistani artists have every reason to feel proud of their own thriving entertainment industry. 'There's so much to be happy about in our own film industry,' she stated. Actor Humayun Saeed also weighed in, calling the action reflective of 'a very small-minded mentality.' Several Pakistani actors were removed from album artwork for Indian film soundtracks on several major music platforms, including Spotify and YouTube Music in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, which saw the Narendra Modi-led Indian government place a blanket ban on Pakistani artists working in Indian media. This ban included removing Pakistani actors and singers from film songs, posters, and even restricting their content on Indian platforms, such as YouTube channels and social media accounts. Mahira's role in Raees, one of the last major Bollywood films to feature a Pakistani actor, had become symbolic of the cross-border cultural divide.
Stuff.tv
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Stuff.tv
I added wireless Android Auto to my car with this affordable adapter – now I won't drive without it
I didn't think I'd ever get excited about a small black box that hides in my car's dash. But here we are. The AAWireless Two adapter has quietly become one of the best upgrades I've made to my 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan. It does one simple thing incredibly well: it lets me use Android Auto wirelessly. No more plugging in my phone every time I get in the car. No more fumbling with cables, especially when I've got a drink in one hand and the other's trying to open Google Maps and YouTube Music. This little adapter just works. Setting it up took less than five minutes. I plugged the AAWireless TWO into my Tiguan's USB port, paired it via Bluetooth with my Pixel 9 Pro, and Android Auto popped up on the infotainment screen as if it had always been there. The first time it happened, I was genuinely shocked at how easy it was. The connection is quick, usually taking the same time as if I'd plugged in a cable. Once connected, everything works exactly how it should. Google Maps, YouTube Music, Pocketcast, calls – all smooth and snappy. There's no noticeable lag, and everything responds just as fast as the wired version. It also switches between phones effortlessly. My wife drives the same car sometimes, and she uses a Pixel 9a. All it takes is a press of the button on the adapter and it swaps over to her profile. No digging around in menus. No repeated setup. It's basically seamless. Physically, the adapter's about the size of a matchbox. It tucks neatly away out of sight. I don't even think about it anymore, which is kind of the point. It just does its job. Well, most of the time… I can't say it's completely flawless. During my time testing it, I did have a few dropouts. Nothing major, and usually it reconnected in seconds, but worth mentioning. And, of course, wireless Android Auto drains my phone's battery much faster than plugging it in, but that's a wider Android Auto issue, not necessarily a problem with AAWireless Two. Still, the pros outweigh the cons. Not needing to fish out a USB cable every time I get in the car is a huge win, and being able to keep my phone in my pocket or bag without a mess of cables hanging about is life-changing (yes, I'm that sad). The adapter costs £53.99 in the UK or $64.99 in the US and you can buy it from the AAWireless website or on Amazon. It comes with a free companion app, but you don't need it for everyday use – though it's handy for updates and tweaks if you're the kind of person who likes fiddling with settings. One of the new tricks this version brings is a multifunctional button. You can use it to enter pairing mode, switch between phones, or even factory reset the device if something goes wrong. You rarely need it, but when you do, it's great to have. Now, if you're thinking about grabbing one, it might be worth knowing that AAWireless TWO+ is on the horizon. It's not out yet, but it's expected to bring a few more features to the table. So if you're not in a rush, you might want to wait and see what the new version offers. For me, though? This one's already earned a permanent spot in my car. No cables. No fuss. Just Android Auto without the cables. Liked this? The McLaren Artura is the most engaging hybrid I've ever driven
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Google may launch YouTube Premium sans music amid antitrust probe
HighlightsGoogle is considering launching a cheaper version of YouTube Premium in South Korea, excluding the YouTube Music streaming component, to address anti-competitive concerns raised by the Fair Trade Commission. The Fair Trade Commission of South Korea has been investigating Google for allegedly bundling YouTube Music with YouTube Premium, which they claim restricts consumer choice and abuses market dominance. In the United States, YouTube has recently expanded its Premium Lite plan, which costs $7.99 per month, as part of efforts to provide more affordable options for users. Google may launch a cheaper version of YouTube Premium without its music streaming component in South Korea in a move aimed at addressing concerns over alleged anti-competitive practices, the country's antitrust watchdog said on Thursday. The self-proposed measure is part of negotiations between the U.S. tech giant and the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), which has been investigating Google over suspicions that it violated fair trade rules by bundling YouTube Music to its premium subscription service. In July last year, the FTC issued a report equivalent to a formal prosecution complaint, accusing Google Korea of unfairly bundling YouTube Music with YouTube Premium, thereby restricting consumer choice and abusing its market dominance, reports Yonhap news agency. The regulator claims Google's practice effectively forced consumers to subscribe to both services, limiting options for those who may have only wanted access to ad-free video streaming. Rather than pursuing a prolonged legal battle, Google has submitted a corrective action plan under the FTC's procedure known as a "consent decision." The mechanism allows the FTC to suspend its investigation if the company voluntarily proposes measures that address the alleged consumer harm. "The FTC will review the validity and appropriateness of Google's proposed corrective actions and will draw up a final consent decision plan," the FTC said Thursday, without disclosing when a final decision would be made. In South Korea, YouTube Premium currently costs 14,900 won (US$10.79) per month, while YouTube Music is offered separately for 11,990 won ($8.38) per month. In the United States, YouTube recently announced it is expanding its Premium Lite pilot program to local users. The Premium Lite plan costs $7.99 per month, significantly lower than the full YouTube Premium subscription at $13.99. In July last year, the US tech giant was accused of providing the YouTube Music streaming service to users of the ad-free YouTube premium program without additional charges in violation of the fair transaction law, and the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has carried out an on-site probe since February last year. Officials have said the probe was focused on whether Google has abused its market dominance for implementing such a practice and that it has restricted fair competition in the industry.
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
South Korea: Google may launch YouTube Premium sans music amid antitrust probe
Google may launch a cheaper version of YouTube Premium without its music streaming component in South Korea in a move aimed at addressing concerns over alleged anti-competitive practices, the country's antitrust watchdog said on Thursday. The self-proposed measure is part of negotiations between the U.S. tech giant and the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), which has been investigating Google over suspicions that it violated fair trade rules by bundling YouTube Music to its premium subscription service. In July last year, the FTC issued a report equivalent to a formal prosecution complaint, accusing Google Korea of unfairly bundling YouTube Music with YouTube Premium, thereby restricting consumer choice and abusing its market dominance, reports Yonhap news agency. The regulator claims Google's practice effectively forced consumers to subscribe to both services, limiting options for those who may have only wanted access to ad-free video streaming. Rather than pursuing a prolonged legal battle, Google has submitted a corrective action plan under the FTC's procedure known as a "consent decision." The mechanism allows the FTC to suspend its investigation if the company voluntarily proposes measures that address the alleged consumer harm. "The FTC will review the validity and appropriateness of Google's proposed corrective actions and will draw up a final consent decision plan," the FTC said Thursday, without disclosing when a final decision would be made. In South Korea, YouTube Premium currently costs 14,900 won (US$10.79) per month, while YouTube Music is offered separately for 11,990 won ($8.38) per month. In the United States, YouTube recently announced it is expanding its Premium Lite pilot program to local users. The Premium Lite plan costs $7.99 per month, significantly lower than the full YouTube Premium subscription at $13.99. In July last year, the US tech giant was accused of providing the YouTube Music streaming service to users of the ad-free YouTube premium program without additional charges in violation of the fair transaction law, and the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has carried out an on-site probe since February last year. Officials have said the probe was focused on whether Google has abused its market dominance for implementing such a practice and that it has restricted fair competition in the industry.
