Rdio debuts more curated stations, launches these in more countries

Rdio’s hoping to keep up with its bigger competitions (i.e. Spotify and Apple Music) with its new batch of curated music stations. These new stations, as well as the old ones, are available to all Rdio users (whether they use free, select, or unlimited). Some of the new “influencer” stations include A.V. Club, Alt Sounds, Refinery29, and, strangely enough, Yelp. Meanwhile, new labels creating their own stations include XL, Blue Note, and Glassnote Records.

Aside from being offered here in Canada, in the US, and the UK, Rdio is bringing these curated stations to Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

Source: Rdio | Via: The Verge

‘Simpsons’ voice actor Mr. Burns isn’t going anywhere

Harry Shearer, the voice actor of one of the biggest The Simpsons characters, left the show earlier this spring following a contract dispute. The production and Shearer seems to have reached an agreement and is back on the show. He now has the same contract deal as his fellow cast members, which include a two-year deal with a two year option following that.

Showrunner Al Jean had said they intended to recast the parts Shearer played. But if you’ve voiced the likes of Mr. Burns, Kent Brockman, and Ned Flanders, it’s going to be a bit hard to fill in those roles. The Simpsons will be coming back for its 27^th season this fall with Shearer back in the cast.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter | Via: The Verge

Home Sharing to make a comeback in iOS 9

You might not have noticed that Apple took out Home Sharing from iOS 8.4, probably so you can make full use of Apple Music subscription. But don’t worry, the feature will be coming back in iOS 9. According to Eddy Cue, they are working on bringing it back in the upcoming version of their mobile operating system. Home Sharing lets you share your media library for up to five computers, iOS devices, and Apple TV while in the same network. For now, you’re going to have to make do with Apple Music.

Source: Gizmodo

GoPro debuts compact Hero4 Session

GoPro cameras aren’t exactly space hogs but sometimes you still need something smaller to carry around. That’s where the likes of the new Hero4 Session comes in. The compact action cam is 50 percent smaller and 40 percent lighter than the current Hero4 Black and Silver models. You can set it up via the iOS/Android app or the optional Smart Remote. Yes, it has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It can shoot 8MP single, time-lapse, or burst stills. Video resolutions are at 1080p/60fps, 720p/100fps, and 1440p/30fps. It also has the single-button mode you’ve seen in the current GoPro lineup.

What differentiates this (aside from its size) is that it’s completely waterproof without needing an additional case for it. You can submerge it down to 33ft. And it has a two-mic audio recording system, which automatically switches between the mics to minimize wind noise. It’ll be available starting July 12 for US$400.

Source: Gizmag