Apple meets with top podcasters to discuss the format, share issues

There’s been a resurgence of interest in podcasts lately and Apple knows they have to take advantage of its popularity. What the tech giant did is talk to the top podcast producers about the issues they have with Apple when it comes with the format. The exact details weren’t disclosed but things like how iTunes has fallen behind to supporting the medium were talked about. These include how producers aren’t able to earn revenue from subscription downloads or the lack of data and analytic tools when it comes to number of listeners and duration of plays. There are also poor sharing and promotion features for social media and the producers only have a single employee to contact when it comes to solving issues or working on promotions with iTunes.

Apple hasn’t made any promises for the podcast creators to hold them on but the representatives who were at that meeting then talked to iTunes chief Eddy Cue afterwards to relay the feedback. Cue said in a statement to the NY Times, “We have more people than ever focused on podcasting, including engineers, editors and programmers. Podcasts hold a special place with us at Apple.” We may or may not see changes soon. We’ll just have to wait.

Source: New York Times | Via: SlashGear

Canadian Reviewer Weekly Roundup 05/01-05/07

Apple’s new ‘Shot on iPhone’ ad honors moms

Ford takes mindfulness behind the wheel

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson outs Rock Clock app

Nikon Canada hosts lecture series, contests, and student gallery at Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival

HP's new Pavilion releases highlight design and functionality

Facebook trying out Snapchat-like disappearing messages on Messenger

IBM makes quantum computing available to the public via the cloud

Puma develops robot to help train runners

National Geographic photographer uses Lumia 950 to capture the aurora

Microsoft: Windows 10 running on 300 million devices, free upgrade offer ends on July 29

Netflix helps manage your data use with new cellular data controls

New study reveals Canadians are rapidly adopting smart home technology

An introduction to VR through the HTC Vive

Apple Music now offers student discount

‘Marvel Avengers Academy’ get a dose of ‘Civil War’

Sony is developing a new film based on ‘Slender Man’ internet meme

Sony is developing a new film based on ‘Slender Man’ internet meme

The disturbing internet meme Slender Man might be the next big horror film. Sony’s Screen Gems is in talks to produce and distribute a movie based on this tall, thin figure with unnaturally long arms and a featureless face who  is said to be “responsible for the haunting, stalking, and disappearance of countless children and teens.” The meme started as part of a photo editing contest where they turn everyday photos into something paranormal.

The adaptation doesn’t have a complete script yet but is expected to start production by the end of the year. The script is being written by David Birke and is planned to be brought to directors soon. Screen Gems is in talks with Mythology Entertainment, Madhouse Entertainment, and It is No Dream Entertainment.

Source: Variety

PayPal to stop offering Purchase Protection coverage for crowdfunding projects

The next time you back a crowdfunding project, don’t expect PayPal to have your back. The service is revising its policy and plans to get rid of Purchase Protection coverage for crowdfunding projects starting June 25^th. This change is seen as PayPal’s way to protect itself against the frequency of fraud and failure to deliver of projects on crowdfunding sites. This new policy means that even if you dispute the charge if or when a project fails, the product is broken, or completely fraudulent, PayPal won’t provide relief. This should affect Indiegogo backers more as Kickstarter payments aren’t protected by PayPal already.

Source: PayPal | Via: The Verge