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New tech on the block

21.05.15

As experts in social media management and digital PR, we love to keep abreast of all the latest technology trends, so here we take a look at some of the latest developments in technology to hit the headlines.

Periscope vs Meerkat
We’re excited about both of these as you can become an at-scene reporter on anything that takes your fancy, or you can tune in to see what fellow streamers are streaming. 

Periscope and Meerkat are live video streaming apps which link to Twitter so you can watch live video footage from anywhere in the world from your phone, iOS device or computer. While Periscope is owned by Twitter, Meerkat is an independent rival and although both offer the same service, there are subtle differences in functionality between the two.

Of course, celebrities have got on board, with Jamie Oliver, David Blaine, Ringo Starr preferring Periscope, and Jimmy Fallon, Rio Ferdinand and Madonna masquerading on Meerkat, while Arnold Schwarzenegger straddles both just to be diplomatic. There are some brilliant broadcasts of glacier tours, tropical sunsets, backstage at TV shows and movie premieres…but for every interesting or critical event, there are posts of chopping up of salad, the insides of people’s fridges, performing pets and drunken karaoke performances. Still, it’s quite addictive, funny and shows you scenes you would not normally see. Look out for live streams from us and our clients coming soon!

Spotify vs Tidal vs Yusic
Yes, everyone listens to their music streamed on Spotify now, but music mogul Jay-Z is trying to support his fellow (multi-gazillionaire) singers by launching a brand new way to sell and listen to music, with his own streaming service, Tidal. But oh, how it has backfired.

Despite much celebrity support (mainly from Jay-Z’s industry pals), it seems to be lacking fans among the public compared to stalwart Spotify, prompting front man, Mr Z, to perform a freestyle rap, targeting the corporates he thinks are against his scheme, specifically Spotify, Google, YouTube, Steve Jobs. 

Tidal is more expensive than Spotify, but Tidal promises to ‘deepen the connection between musicians and their fans’. Musicians involved so far include the likes of Madonna, Rihanna, Usher, as well as some artists who go by two names….Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj.
Brit-side, Coldplay are flying the Tidal flag but we can’t see many other British artists on there as yet.

The social media launch activity included the hashtag #TidalforALL which also received a barrage of abuse, including the rebel hashtag #TidalforNOONE as people protested at its ethics.

Then, away from the limelight is Yusic (iOS YouTube music app), the same music and audio streaming service but for free! It was updated earlier this year to include new features based on user feedback and is certainly the underdog in this highly competitive marketplace.

For now, we’ll stick to Spotify, or even the good old wireless, but we’re sure Jay-Z will get by with a little help from his friends.

Let us know your opinions and preferences on Periscope vs Meercat, and how you prefer to listen to music. Join in the debate via our Twitter and Facebook pages.

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