🌊 Stream on: Make your music flow more smoothly with crossfade. This forces your songs to transition from one into the next instead of ending abruptly, pausing and starting the next track. On Spotify, go to Settings > Playback > Crossfade. In Apple Music, head to Settings > Apple Music > Crossfade.
Tech trick: Boost the quality of your streaming audio
At any given time, there’s music playing in my house. I have my organizing music, sitting-by-the-pool jams, dinner playlists depending on how we’re feeling, tunes for getting ready … The list goes on.
If you’re a music lover, too, let’s get the bad news out of the way: The tunes you’re jamming to in your favorite streaming app are sub-par quality. The good news? It’s easy to fix that, and I can walk you through it.
Quick note: The options you see listed vary depending on whether or not you’re signed up for a premium-level sub. Yes, you have to pay if you want the best of the best. Now let’s get your listening from so-so to superb.
Spotify
From the Home tab in the Android or iOS mobile app:
- Tap your avatar (top left) > Settings and privacy > Audio quality.
Apple Music
If you’re on an iPhone:
- Open the iOS Settings screen > Music > Audio Quality.
- Enable Lossless Audio to see the options.
If you’re on Android:
- Open the Home tab in the Apple Music app.
- Tap the three dots (top right) and Settings > Select Audio quality.
YouTube Music
Divorcing your spouse: How to safely remove them from shared accounts
When you host a show on over 400 radio stations in the U.S. about all things tech, this question comes up quite a bit: “How can I tell if my partner is cheating?”
My best advice is to have an honest conversation with your partner, with the support of a couple’s therapist. Still, cheating does leave a ton of tech breadcrumbs. You have to know where to look.
Spotify won't remove Kanye West music but you can
Kanye West lost his empire over antisemitic tirades. Everyone dropped him — except Spotify. Here’s what you can do, in 60 seconds.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
🎵 Work hack? Studies show surgeons work faster and more accurately when listening to classical music. For those of us not in the operating room, the best tunes are those that put you in a better mood. The three most popular tracks on work-related Spotify lists: “Drops of Jupiter” (Train), “Dreams” (Fleetwood Mac) and “Don’t Stop Believin’” (Journey). Did I just hear you humming a tune?
$11.99 per month
Spotify’s new price after another $1 increase. The Premium Family plan went from $16.99 to $19.99. If you have a student in the fam, you can score a $5.99 monthly rate that includes Hulu with ads. You’re welcome.
Spotify's top 5 most soothing tracks
When you’re not unwinding with me and my shows, turn to music to chill. Spotify just released its list of most relaxing songs based on 76,000 tracks. Find out if your favorites made the list and learn how to use music to re-tune your mood.
WinAmp revamp takes on Patreon
WinAmp is making waves for the first time in a long time, mainly because we all forgot it was still in the water. The iconic media player has been used by a dedicated few million fans all this time, but now it’s making a big comeback in a new way. It’s going after Patreon.
A buck is a buck: If you stream music on Spotify, you’re most likely on the $11.99-a-month plan that includes 15 hours of audiobooks a month, too. Don’t use ‘em? Go into your account and downgrade to “Basic” ($10.99 per month). Hey, it all adds up!
“My radio station used to carry your show, but this is a great replacement,” wrote Nancy in Miami, Florida. Now, friends, my free newsletter isn’t a replacement for my national award-winning radio show. The show is loaded with things you won’t find here, along with the best callers ever. Find my show on a radio station near you or as a podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
300M Spotify streams of Taylor Swift’s new album
“The Tortured Poets Department” set a new record high on its release day, along with these Spotify records: Most streams of a single artist in one day, most streams of a song in one day (“Fortnight”) and most gossip in one day. I made that one up, but I bet it’s true.
Plot twist: Spotify wants to win over Audible subscribers, but its offer must be fiction. The Audiobooks Access Tier is $9.99 per month for 15 hours of audiobook-listening and ad-supported music. Compare that to Spotify Premium, at $10.99 a month, 15 hours of audiobook listening and ad-free music. Do they think we can’t read?
It just got a lot easier for music to follow you around the house using Alexa
Amazon recently unleashed Multi-room audio for compatible Echo devices to the public. It makes everything from chores to party time that much more awesome.
Read on to find out how this handy feature works and how to use it.
Get on the list to try Bing's new AI chatbot search
Google and Amazon’s virtual assistants are based on AI to give recommendations, and Spotify’s algorithm uses AI to suggest songs and new music. But the power of AI has been thrust into mainstream conversations with ChatGPT’s success.
Looking for something to watch? This mistake puts your computer at risk
There are plenty of streaming services where you can get your fill of entertainment. With rising costs, you might be looking for ways to save money. Tap or click for a simple trick to save hundreds of dollars.
Services such as Netflix let you download content to your computer (depending on your subscription level), so you can watch it later. Similarly, the music service Spotify allows you to download songs and albums.
Never heard of Google Collections? It makes sharing links, images and plans a snap
Google is a divisive company. Maybe you love the ease of Gmail and how easy it is to find anything you want online.
Or maybe you get a shiver up your spine thinking of all the data the search giant has on you. Tap or click to see everything Google knows about you.
Podcasting 101: Microphone options and how to get listeners
Podcasts come in all types, from soothing words to help you meditate to political discussions to serialized stories. You can catch a podcast via many services, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.
You can even listen to Kim Komando podcasts on your own time. You’ll find great topics on Kim Komando Today, Tech Refresh and the Daily Tech Update. Tap or click here to get started.
How to solve the Joe Rogan Spotify problem
Wondering how Joe Rogan’s strange Spotify streaming situation will unravel? Listen now for my solution, in one minute.
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I have the solution to the Joe Rogan and Neil Young fiasco
What’s up with Spotify’s new misinformation policy? Listen to this one-minute podcast for my solution to the clash between Joe Rogan and Neil Young.
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Did anyone win the Spotify, Joe Rogan and Neil Young battle?
Wondering why Joe Rogan and Neil Young clashed? Listen now to find out how Spotify handled this tricky situation.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices