Apple Asking Music Labels to Cut Prices on Music Streaming Subscriptions

Apple is asking music labels to cut prices on music streaming subscription services so that it can offer its new, revamped Beats Music service for less than $10 a month, reports Re/code. The Cupertino company is also looking to add new features to the service.

Sources say Apple is talking to the big music labels about a new set of rights and features it would like to include in a revamped version of the Beats Music service it bought earlier this year. Among the things Apple wants is a new pricing structure that would allow it to sell the service for less than the $10 level it’s at now.

Apple isn’t planning on overhauling Beats Music until next year, and discussions with music labels are in early stages. In late September, it was rumored that Apple was planning on introducing a revamped Beats Music in early February, presumably timed to debut alongside the Grammy Awards on February 8.

The company has tried to undercut competitors with music rates before, trying to pay half the royalty rate that Pandora paid while in negotiations for what would become iTunes Radio in early 2013.

Re/code notes that music executives were once worried about streaming services cannibalizing CD music sales but eventually agreed to deals with streaming services, which some music industry observers feel is priced too high as the market for consumers who want to pay $10 a month to stream music is limited. In August, a report from Midia Research suggested only 25 percent of consumers pay $10 for music every three months.

.CPlase_panel display:none;

Hulu Updates ‘Hulu Plus’ with New Look, In-App Subscriptions [iOS Blog]

Hulu has updated its Hulu Plus app for iOS with a brand new look, new navigation options and in-app subscriptions, allowing users to subscribe to the service and create Hulu Plus accounts within the app.

What’s New in Version 4.0.0
– Home – Best content of the day on Hulu, handpicked and curated by our expert editorial team
– Shows You Watch – Easy access to all the shows you are currently watching, personalized to your viewing habits
– Navigation – Discover the entire breadth of the Hulu catalogue from TV, Movies, Kids, Latino, British and Hulu Originals
– Player – Brand new player with cleaner controls and a nested menu for rich features like captions, share and cast to TV
– Action Tray – Quick access to search, queue and cast to TV features from anywhere in the app
– Search – Reimagined search with contextually grouped results by category
– Remote control – stream and control your viewing experience on the big screen via Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox1, PS3 and PS4
– Share – Share your favorite videos with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, text and email

In 2011, Hulu had complied with Apple’s rule to remove links to external mechanisms for subscriptions as well as the ability to sign up for accounts. The rule forced developers to use iOS’ in-app subscription feature and granting Apple 30 percent of the subscription fee. However, as GigaOm notes, it’s likely Hulu has realized that the ability to gain subscribers from mobile users is more important than giving 30 percent of its mobile subscriber fee to Apple.

Additionally, the apps are also now optimized for iOS 8, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Hulu Plus is a free app available in the App Store for iPhone and iPad. [Direct Link]

.CPlase_panel display:none;

Leonardo DiCaprio Withdraws from Sony’s ‘Steve Jobs’ Biopic, Danny Boyle Confirmed as Director

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio has withdrawn from negotiations to play Steve Jobs in Aaron Sorkin’s upcoming film about the late Apple co-founder, according to The Hollywood Reporter. DiCaprio was set to begin work on the movie after finishing work on The Revenant, but sources close to the actor have said that he plans to take a lengthy break soon.

Now with DiCaprio out, the studio is eyeing a number of actors to take on the iconic tech figure, who has been both worshipped and reviled. Christian Bale, who Fincher wanted for the title role, is on Sony’s wish list, as is Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Bradley Cooper (though Affleck seems unlikely given that he just signed on for the thriller The Accountant).

The report also notes that the movie will be directed by Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle, who was said to be in talks with Sony Pictures this past April. According to information shared by Sorkin, the film will use material from Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs biography and will focus on three 30-minute scenes showing three of Apple’s product launches. Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is also working as a consultant on the film. Aaron Sorkin’s Steve Jobs biopic has yet to receive a release date.

.CPlase_panel display:none;