Spotify Signs Deal with Warner Music
Spotify, one of the largest streaming services with more than 140 million users, has closed a deal with Warner Music Group. After this agreement, Spotify possesses deals with what are considered the “big three” record labels: Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group, which make up approximately 70 percent of the global music market and nearly 80 percent of the U.S. music market.
The deal with Warner Music was the last Spotify needed to finalize its plans for a stock market listing. Spotify hired investment banks Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Allen & Company to plan its decision to go public onto the New York Stock Exchange. There is a possibility that Spotify will go public via direct listing, skipping an initial public offering.
Windows 10 Creators Update on the way
Microsoft plans to release its Fall Creators Update worldwide on Oct. 17. According to Microsoft Blogs, the update will improve photography, gaming, security and accessibility. The update focuses on creating a platform with experiences that promote user creativity.
One of the biggest changes is the integration of Microsoft Mixed Reality, a mix of physical and digital experiences using virtual reality headsets and motion controllers. Microsoft has already partnered with content creators and is working with 343 industries to add to Mixed Reality. Bundles of Windows Mixed Reality gear are expected to be released this holiday season.
SanDisk manufactures new 400GB microSD cards
SanDisk recently released a new microSD card capable of holding 400GB, an upgrade from its 200GB predecessor. The California-based memory card manufacturer claims the new card has the world’s largest storage for its size, capable of packing up to 40 hours of HD video. The A1 rated ultra microSDXC card maintains a Class 10 transfer speed of 100MB per second, which equates to 1,200 photos per minute. Backed with a 10 year limited warranty, the card is priced at $250. Along with the card’s release have come rumors of a 512GB microSD card to be released by overseas company Microdia. However, the rumors are yet to be confirmed, and users can expect a heftier price tag to accompany the even larger microSD card.
FCC receives suspicious comments on net neutrality
Net neutrality is the principle which forces internet service providers (ISPs) to treat all data on the internet the same. It allows communication on the internet to be open by preventing ISPs from interfering with the internet data flow.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently allowed the American public to submit comments about net neutrality. The last day of submissions took place on Wednesday, Aug. 30 and totaled 21.9 million comments. The legitimacy of many of the comments was called into question after multiple instances of name theft were identified among the submissions. Most notably, the name of Karl Bode, a journalist and advocate of net neutrality, was used without his consent.
According to the blog Hacker Noon, malware and bots could submit a flood of comments. Critics of the FCC denounced the lack of prevention against malware. The dubious comments shroud the public’s true opinions on net neutrality and open room for both advocates and opponents to make claims.
