Eddy Cue and Jimmy Iovine Discuss State of Streaming and Growth of Apple Music

One of the biggest updates announced for iOS 10 centers around the new design of Apple Music, which the company hopes will simplify its music streaming service into one that better introduces its users to new favorite songs, and is less of a hassle to navigate than the current version.

To discuss the nuances of the revamped service, Eddy Cue, Jimmy Iovine, Trent Reznor, and Robert Kondrk sat down with Billboard, commenting on the importance of Beats 1, the steady growth of Apple Music, and the much-talked-about slow death of downloaded music in iTunes.

Billboard asked Cue and Reznor about a “streaming-only future,” but the former reassured fans who prefer to download music by saying that “there’s no end date” to paid music services like iTunes, which “is doing very well,” Cue said. Reznor admits that such a future is probably inevitable, but doesn’t see why paid and streaming music couldn’t coexist simultaneously, similar to the niche buyers market of vinyl records today.

Eddy Cue: There’s no end date, and as a matter of fact, they should all be surprised and thankful to the results that they’re seeing because our music iTunes business is doing very well. Downloads weren’t growing, and certainly are not going to grow again, but it’s not declining anywhere near as fast as any of them predicted or thought it would. There are a lot of people who download music and are happy with it and they’re not moving towards subscriptions. We talked about subscriptions bringing a lot of new customers in, people who have never bought music. And if you look at Apple’s music revenue on a quarterly basis, because of subscriptions and because of sales, it’s now higher; it’s actually growing, which is great for the labels.

Trent Reznor: It feels as though we’ve turned a corner in terms of the adoption of streaming. I think it’s inevitable that downloads will diminish, much like CDs. But I’ve started buying vinyl — probably out of nostalgia, but also there’s something about a physical thing that has meaning to me as an artist. I think coexistence can take place.

When addressing the concern that Beats 1 wasn’t directly mentioned during the WWDC keynote, Iovine promised that “Beats 1 is going to be creating a lot more content as well,” besides being a part of the overall Apple Music design change. This content encompasses video, according to Iovine, who didn’t directly mention which rumored scripted TV project this might entail, but said the team is currently focusing on the “impact” the radio service has as part of the overall music ecosystem at Apple.

As usual, Cue wasn’t ready to divulge specific numbers regarding the conversion rates of users transferring from Apple Music’s three month free trial to a paid subscription, but he did say that the team has “been very happy with the results we’ve seen.” As confirmed during yesterday’s keynote, the service has also reached 15 million subscribers a few weeks ahead of its one year anniversary later in June.

You can read the full interview between Billboard and the Apple Music executives here.

Related Roundup: iOS 10
Tag: Apple Music
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CarPlay at WWDC: Rearrange or Hide Apps, Apple Music Makeover, Alternate Routing, and More

While most of the WWDC 2016 keynote was focused on iOS 10, macOS Sierra, and new versions of tvOS and watchOS, Apple also made a number of CarPlay-related announcements during the two-hour presentation.

First, the new Apple Maps appearance on iOS 10 and some new features extend to the dashboard. If there is a lot of traffic ahead, for example, CarPlay will now proactively provide you with alternate routes and estimate how much time you saved compared to your original route.

Additionally, CarPlay turn-by-turn directions will now be available directly in your instrument cluster in vehicles equipped with a driver-side peripheral screen for a safer driving experience.

Another feature that should make CarPlay safer is the Siri SDK. Apple is opening Siri up to developers, enabling third-party apps for VoIP calling and more to work seamlessly with the virtual assistant, and the functionality extends to CarPlay.

Siri on CarPlay will support VoIP calls like Skype, which is not yet available in the car
CarPlay apps can now be rearranged or hidden on iOS 10 by tapping on Settings > General > CarPlay > Your Vehicle. Simply tap the add or subtract button on the stock or third-party apps that you want to add or remove. Phone, Music, Maps, Messages, Car, and Now Playing cannot be removed.

CarPlay apps can now be rearranged or hidden on iOS 10 (Image: 9to5Mac)
Just like on iOS 10, Apple Music has received a makeover on CarPlay that makes it easier to browse and discover music. The top menu options have changed from For You, New, Radio, Playlists, My Music, and Now Playing to Library, For You, Browse, Radio, and Now Playing. Curated playlists have also been added.

Apple Music has received a makeover on CarPlay (Image: 9to5Mac)
CarPlay is also now supported on ultra-wide screens. The new features and improvements will require pairing an iPhone 5 or later on iOS 10.

Many automakers in the U.S. and abroad now support CarPlay, including Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lamborghini, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Porsche, Peugeot, Seat, Škoda, Subaru, Suzuki, Volkswagen, Volvo, and others.

Aftermarket systems are available from Alpine, JBL, JVC, Kenwood, and Pioneer.

Related Roundups: WWDC 2016, CarPlay
Tags: Apple Maps, Apple Music
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VerveLife by Motorola: Ones, Loop or Rider headphones have all your sports covered

VerveLife by Motorola was announced at Mobile World Congress 2016, offering a range of funky active accessories for your smartphone.

Officially unveiled on 14 June and hitting stores on 16 June, we got our hands on this new range of connected devices that want to add a little fun to your mobile life.

Firstly, let’s talk about which bit of Motorola this is to clear up any confusion. This isn’t coming from Lenovo, but from Binatone, who manufactures and sells the VerveLife family of products.

Secondly, all these devices share a common app called Hubble Connect for Verve Life. This will let you change the settings of your headphones or (in the future) remotely access your camera and other devices. It’s available for both Android and iPhone. One of the features of this app, aside from controlling your devices, is being able to find their location on a map. If you left your headphones at the gym, you’ll be able to see that, rather than rooting through the bottom of your bag, wondering what happened to them.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s on offer from VerveLife.

Pocket-lint

VerveLife VerveOnes+

There’s been a buzz about this type of headphone recently, offering separate, wireless ear buds, for the ultimate in convenience. Designed to leave you free from wires, there’s two versions of the VerveOnes: those with the + indicate that they have an IP57 protection rating, so they won’t be damaged by rain or sweat. The regular Ones lack this rating, but are cheaper as a result. 

The Ones come with three different sizes of tip for different fits and we found they were light enough to be comfortable and they also stayed securely in place during our initial tests. They give an indication when connected to your device and when synced with each other. Listening to a few tracks via the iPhone didn’t highlight any sync problems, but we plan to review these headphones more thoroughly as soon as we can.

But the best part of the Ones is the charge case that they come with. This is used to charge the ear buds, but also keeps them nice and secure, with them clicking into place inside the case. This can be charged by Micro-USB, and give the Ones 12 hours of playback.

The Ones offer an ambient mode, so you can hear your surroundings as well as your music, ideal for those running in busy places. There are six different sound modes and you’ll be able to make and take calls, with full support for Google and Siri voice controls.

First impressions are good, with no syncing problems and a comfortable fit.

The VerveLife VerveOnes+ will cost £229.99; the regular Ones are cheaper at £199.99.

Pocket-lint

VerveLife VerveLoop+

If you’re after something a little more substantial for your sporty activities, then you might be interested in the VerveLife VerveLoop+. This is a wireless set of Bluetooth headphones, with the earbuds connected by a wire. This means there’s something to hang around your neck if you want to take an earbud out, and they’re a little more conventional than the Ones.

Again offering IP57 waterproofing, these are ideal headphones for running and come with four different tips and three different stabilisers which loop into the top of your ear for added support, to keep them nice and secure.

There’s an inline remote, also housing the Micro-USB charging port and mic, again letting you take calls and use Siri and Google voice controls on the move. You’ll get an impressive 9.5 hours of battery life from the Loop+. 

The VerveLife VerveLoop+ costs £59.99.

Pocket-lint

VerveLife VerveRider+

Taking it up a step further is the VerveLife VerveRider+. These, again, come in two versions with the Rider+ offering IP57 proofing, which the regular Rider lacks.

The Rider offers a neckband style headphone, so you can wear them around your neck, with the buds connecting magnetically to the end of the neckband when not in use. There’s a choice of three tips to get a good fit; the neckband is nice and comfortable and offers a range of music controls. The Rider is light too, so you’ll barely notice you’re wearing it.

The Rider also works with Siri and Google, and offers up to 12 hours of playback. 

The VerveLife VerveRider+ will cost you £79.99; the VerveLife Rider is £59.99.

Pocket-lint

VerveLife VerveCam+

Joining the family in September will be the VerveCam+. This action camera is designed as a wearable social camera, with a wide 138 degree view and video capture at up to 2.5K, 30fps.

The camera itself isn’t protected from the elements, but there’s an IP68 rated case for it, so you’ll be able to capture all the action no matter how wet you’re getting, even up to 30m deep.

Prices start from £149.99.

Pocket-lint

VerveLife VerveRetrieve

Another product that will be joining the family in the future is the VerveRetrieve. We don’t know much about this, but it’s designed to help you keep track of your dog with a wireless GPS tracker.

All we know at the moment is that the collar isn’t included, but if you’re always losing your dog, this might help you track pooch down.

Xbox Design Lab in pictures: Some of the crazy Xbox One controllers you can create

During its E3 2016 media briefing, Microsoft announced that it will soon be offering customisable Xbox One controllers to its fan base.

Xbox One owners will be able to order a unique controller, designed by themselves and coloured in millions of combinations. They can also have their gamertag, name or another short message etched onto the controller to make it truly one-of-a-kind.

We caught up with the system and a few pre-made controllers during the Xbox Showcase event on the evening before E3’s doors open and we have to say, even the most garish models look good.

You can see some for yourself by flicking through the gallery above.

It reminds us of services offered by both Adidas and Nike. The sportswear firms have, in the past at least, offered completely customisable versions of their trainers. You could select different colours for many of the elements on the respective shoes, and they would be delivered to your home soon after.

READ: E3 2016: All the launches, games and consoles at the show

This is how the Xbox Design Lab will work too. You choose the colours you want for each of the controller’s features; from buttons to rear plate and thumbsticks. There are multiple options for each, and you select them using an online tool which shows the final style you’ve created.

Microsoft claims that there are more than eight million combinations, but you can also have text laser engraved onto the front to make it further stand out.

You can start designing your controller now, through the dedicated webpage at xboxdesignlab.xbox.com, but shipping won’t start until October. It also only seems to be in the US and Canada at present, but we’ll update when we find out more.

Self-designed controllers cost $80 (£56) apiece, with laser engraving charged at $10 extra.

Intel 3D XPoint memory 1,000 times faster than flash due this year, 8K gaming incoming

For the first time in 25 years a new memory category has been created by Intel, and it’s 1,000 times faster than NAND.

Intel says its new 3D XPoint memory has already started going into production. A leaked roadmap has revealed that the company plans to release the memory later in 2016.

On top of being faster than current NAND flash memory it’s also 10 times more dense meaning enhanced storage in a smaller space.

So how can this memory be used?

Intel says the new XPoint memory tackles the lag issue of getting data from storage into the processor. Now that should be fast enough to allow the processor to work without that lag. The result could mean things like 8K gaming are just around the corner, says Intel.

On a wider view Intel says this could also help speed up medical research computation, spot fraud faster in financial transactions and accelerate genetic analysis and disease tracking.

The 3D XPoint memory is not only faster and more dense than current offerings but also has up to 1,000 times more endurance, claims Intel.

Since the memory is built in a 3D structure it can be denser while also offering faster access to sectional data storage regions. Intel says: “Memory cells are accessed and written or read by varying the amount of voltage sent to each selector. This eliminates the need for transistors, increasing capacity while reducing cost.”

Now, with online gaming centres crunching more data, the advent of 8K gaming could be sooner than we think.

READ: Best smartphones to look forward to in 2015

OnePlus 3 is official, equipped with huge 6GB RAM and an all-new all-metal finish

OnePlus has just announced its next generation flagship smartphone, and continues in its tradition of releasing powerful devices at affordable prices. While some specifications look similar to the OnePlus 2, there’s definitely enough difference here to make it worth the upgrade.

Starting on the front, and OnePlus has opted to keep much of the same design as last year. It’s an all-glass panel with a pill-shaped capacitive home button with built-in fingerprint sensor beneath the display.

As for the screen itself, it retains both the 5.5-inch size and 1080p Full HD resolution of its predecessors, but makes the welcome change to AMOLED based technology. This means colours will be far more vibrant, and blacks will be far deeper.  

For the first time, OnePlus has built the rear casing from anodised aluminium, which looks very much like the kind of design we’re used to seeing from the likes of HTC, Huawei and other Chinese brands. It has the antenna bands running along the top and bottom portions and plays home to the main camera.

The rear camera boasts a 16MP Sony sensor with phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and an f/2.0 aperture for decent low light shots and background blur. As you’d expect from a top-of-the-line phone, it can also shoot video at 4K resolution, and you photographers will be happy to see it also supports RAW files for higher quality images. The front camera is decent too; at 8MP and with large pixels, it’s designed to take good selfies even with terrible lighting.

There are a couple of really notable features on the OnePlus 2. Firstly, it’s powered by Qualcomm’s latest high-power processor, the Snapdragon 820. This is paired with a huge 6GB RAM and 64GB built-in storage to ensure you never run out of space, or memory for running multiple apps at once.

Secondly, there’s OnePlus’ Dash Charge technology which can charge at ridiculously fast speeds, and is virtually identical to the VOOC flash charging found on Oppo’s latest phones. Heat is dissipated through the thick USB cable, so that the device doesn’t get hot. What’s more, OnePlus says it can deliver a full-day’s charge in 30 minutes. This super-speedy charging should negate any worries that the OnePlus 3’s 3000mAh battery isn’t big enough. 

That’s not to say that 3000mAh isn’t enough, with Android Marshmallow’s battery saving technology onboard, and with the screen being the energy efficient AMOLED tech and “only” being 1080p resolution, it should easily get through the day. If it’s anything like the OnePlus X, the battery will outperform your expectations.

Other hardware features will be familiar to OnePlus users, including the notification priority slider switch, the capacitive back and recent apps buttons on the front, as well as the custom Oxygen OS software. And – pause for effect – NFC has made a welcome return, meaning you should be able to take advantage of contactless payments like Android Pay once it arrives.

OnePlus 3 will be available to buy in both soft gold and graphite finishes from today through the Loop VR Android app, and costs $399 in the US and £309 in the UK.