Square buys majority stake in Tidal to create artist-driven business

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It might seem like an unusual deal, but fintech company Square wants to invest in the future of streaming service Tidal. Square bought a majority stake in Tidal that's equivalent to US$297 million in cash and stock. It cuts out third-party investors and only keeps artists invested in the company to hold the rest of Tidal's shares. 

Tidal's former majority owner and renowned rapper Jay-Z will also join Square's board of directors to help oversee Square's businesses, including Seller and Cash app. Square's head of hardware, Jesse Dorogusker, will become Tidal's interim leader.

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WhatsApp desktop adds voice and video call support

WhatsApp has been testing the ability to make voice and video calls on the desktop for the last few months. But now it's getting a wider release. Like with the app, voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, making sure only those talking to each other will have access to the call's contents.

Group calls aren't available on the desktop yet, but WhatsApp plans to introduce the feature in the future. To use video and voice calls on the desktop, you will still need a mobile WhatsApp account.

Source: MacRumors

Netflix's Fast Laughs is a TikTok-like mobile feature for its comedic content

Netflix wants to share its comedy specials, shows, and movies with you in a way that the younger ones in your life will appreciate. The streaming service introduces a new mobile feature called Fast Laughs, a TikTok-style feed of clips from its stand-up specials and other comedic content. You can react to the clips with the LOL button or other emojis and even share these videos with others.

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Spotify beta tests endless playlists on CarPlay

You no longer have to worry about switching from a track you don't like while driving with this new feature Spotify is testing out on its CarPlay app. The audio streaming service brings its Go to Song Radio function to the CarPlay app's Now Playing screen. The feature will make sure the service plays tracks similar to the ones you're listening to. Plus, it'll be an endless playlist of sorts if you keep hitting the button, so you don't have to be distracted by making a song choice while you're on the road.

Members of Spotify's beta program are the first ones to try this out. But it isn't clear when the feature will roll out to all users. It might be something to look forward to.

Source: 9to5Mac