Happening

Spotify offers Car Thing refunds as it faces lawsuit

Published

2 months ago

May 30, 2024

Spotify is facing continued backlash over its decision to discontinue support for Car Thing, its in-car streaming device, announced earlier in May. The device will no longer work starting on Dec. 9, 2024, the company said. On TikTok, Gen Z users are posting videos to express their discontent with Spotify’s move and its recommended actions — like switching to Android Auto or CarPlay. Often, they didn’t have access to built-in infotainment systems in their car in the first place, making them a target market for a dedicated player like Car Thing, the users note.

The streaming service’s in-car gadget hadn’t been out on the market long enough to make it obsolete. It launched in February 2022 and was discontinued later that same year but with promises to keep it operational for those who already bought units. Ahead of its launch, Spotify CEO Danie Ek had suggested there was consumer demand for such a product, telling investors on an earning call that more than 2 million users had signed up on the Car Thing waitlist in anticipation of its release.

Though Spotify never shared official numbers, it’s likely that Car Thing underperformed or was just not worth continued investment in today’s tighter economic market. The latter saw Spotify laying off around 1,500 staffers late last year, for example, after cuts earlier in the year that had affected hundreds.

Car Thing users, however, don’t care about the company’s financial concerns; they just want their gadget to work, or at least be refunded for its $90 price tag.

That’s led to some trying to directly complain to Spotify via DMs on X with @SpotifyCares or through various Spotify emails shared on Reddit. By doing so, some users reported that Spotify offered them several months of a Premium subscription to make up for their loss, while others claimed they asked customer service and were told no one was being reimbursed.

Spotify tells TechCrunch that it has more recently instituted a refund process for Car Thing, provided the user has proof of purchase.

The ability to reach customer support was officially communicated to Car Thing users in a second email that went out on Friday of last week after the backlash over Car Thing’s discontinuation had grown. In it, Spotify directs users to the correct customer support link to reach out to the company. The email does not promise any refunds, however, but says users can reach out with questions.

While a refund may satisfy some portion of the user base that’s upset over Car Thing, many are still pleading with the company via TikTok videos and in the comments on Spotify’s TikTok posts to please not brick their device. (In fact, complaints about the Car Thing are so now common on Spotify’s videos that the algorithmically recommended search TikTok suggests on some videos is “what is the spotify car thing.”)

“SPOTIFY PLEASE SPARE ME 😭😭😭 I LOVE MY CAR THING,” wrote Carla, a TikTok user who goes by the handle @carlititica on the service.

“Sad,” wrote another user, @nikkilovestech. “It’s like they want people to use their phone which is distracting,” she wrote in the description of her video demoing a Car Thing mounted to her dash. In her video, she also commented on the e-waste that comes from discontinuing a product that still works “perfectly fine.”

Spotify’s headaches around Car Thing’s discontinuation are not over yet, despite the newly introduced — if not widely broadcast — refund process. The company is also facing a class action lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, which claims Spotify misled consumers by selling them a soon-to-be obsolete product and then not offering refunds, reports Billboard. The suit was filed on May 28.

Spotify cannot comment on the lawsuit, but a spokesperson shared the following statement about Car Thing:

“The goal of our Car Thing exploration in the U.S. was to learn more about how people listen in the car. In July 2022, we announced we’d stop further production and now it’s time to say goodbye to the devices entirely. Users will have until December 9, 2024 until all Car Thing devices will be deactivated. To learn more about all of the ways you can continue to listen to Spotify in the car, check out For The Record, and Car Thing users can reach out to Customer Support with any questions: https://support.spotify.com/us/contact-spotify-support/”

Though the troubles around Car Thing won’t affect all of Spotify’s user base, the news comes at a time when users are already upset that they’re being asked to pay more for things they consider core to a music service, like access to lyrics, a feature Spotify recently paywalled. In addition to complaints over Car Thing, users are threatening to quit Spotify over the paid access to lyrics.

In addition, Spotify upped its subscription rates last year, and another increase is on its way in 2024, Bloomberg reported. Read more

Happening

What is crowd strike and why is everyone talking about it today

Published

1 week ago

July 19, 2024

Mark Sikaundi

CrowdStrike is a cybersecurity company, kind of like a digital knight in shining armor for businesses. They protect companies from cyberattacks and online threats.

Today, there’s a buzz around CrowdStrike because they’re dealing with a bit of a hiccup. One of their updates for Windows computers malfunctioned, causing some systems to act wonky. It’s important to note, however, that this wasn’t a cyberattack, more of a friendly fire situation. CrowdStrike is assuring everyone they’ve identified the problem, fixed it, and are patching things up as we speak.

Here’s a story for you:

It was a tense morning at DigiCorp, a tech startup. Alarms blared on laptops, throwing up error messages. Sarah, the head of IT, was fielding frantic calls from colleagues. Their data, their entire business, seemed to be on the fritz.

“Is it a ransomware attack?” someone shouted.

Sarah took a deep breath. “Let’s not panic. It could be anything. First, let’s isolate the problem and see if CrowdStrike can shed some light.”

Moments later, Sarah sighed with relief. CrowdStrike confirmed it wasn’t a malicious attack, but a glitch with their own update. A wave of laughter rippled through the stressed-out team.

“Well, that’s a relief,” Matt, a programmer, chuckled. “Though, maybe CrowdStrike needs to polish their knightly armor a bit.”

By lunchtime, CrowdStrike had rolled out a fix, and DigiCorp was back in business. Sarah sent a quick thank you note to their cybersecurity partners. Though it was a scare, it was a good reminder of how important CrowdStrike was in keeping their digital world safe.

Happening

What are the disadvantages of YouTube monetization?

Published

2 weeks ago

July 10, 2024

Mark Sikaundi

YouTube has become a popular platform for content creators to share their work and potentially earn money. However, while monetization offers exciting opportunities, it also comes with its fair share of monetization challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the potential drawbacks of YouTube monetization and how they can impact creators.

Understanding YouTube Monetization Challenges

Before diving into the disadvantages, it’s essential to understand that YouTube monetization isn’t always a straightforward path to success. Many creators face various hurdles and obstacles that can affect their ability to earn revenue consistently.

The Pressure to Produce Consistently

One of the primary monetization challenges creators face is the constant pressure to produce content. To maintain a steady income, YouTubers often feel compelled to:

Upload videos frequently
Keep up with trends
Constantly engage with their audience

This pressure can lead to burnout and may compromise the quality of content over time.

Dealing with Algorithm Changes

YouTube’s algorithm plays a crucial role in content discovery and monetization. However, frequent changes to this algorithm can present significant monetization challenges:

Videos may suddenly receive less exposure
Ad revenue can fluctuate unpredictably
Creators may need to adapt their content strategy frequently

Monetization Challenges: Advertiser-Friendly Content

To monetize videos effectively, creators must adhere to YouTube’s advertiser-friendly guidelines. This requirement can lead to several issues:

Self-censorship
Limited creative freedom
Difficulty covering certain topics or niches

Some creators find these restrictions stifling and struggle to balance their artistic vision with monetization requirements.

The Unpredictability of Ad Revenue

Ad revenue, a primary source of income for many YouTubers, can be highly unpredictable. This volatility presents ongoing monetization challenges, including:

Seasonal fluctuations in ad rates
Changes in advertiser spending
Impact of global events on ad budgets

These factors can make it difficult for creators to plan their finances and rely on YouTube as a stable income source.

Copyright Issues and Demonetization

Navigating copyright laws on YouTube can be tricky. Creators face monetization challenges when:

Using copyrighted music or footage
Dealing with false copyright claims
Risking demonetization due to copyright strikes

These issues can result in loss of revenue and potentially affect a channel’s standing on the platform.

Competition and Market Saturation

As more people turn to YouTube for income, the platform becomes increasingly competitive. This saturation leads to monetization challenges such as:

Difficulty standing out in a crowded market
Lower ad rates due to increased supply of content
Pressure to create clickbait or sensational content

Creators may find it harder to grow their audience and maintain sustainable revenue streams in this environment.

Privacy and Personal Life Impacts

Successful YouTube monetization often requires creators to share aspects of their personal lives, which can lead to:

Loss of privacy
Online harassment or stalking
Difficulty separating work from personal life

These factors can take a toll on a creator’s mental health and overall well-being.

Dependence on a Single Platform

Relying solely on YouTube for income can be risky. Monetization challenges arise when:

YouTube changes its policies
Technical issues affect the platform
A creator’s account faces suspension or termination

Diversifying income sources becomes crucial to mitigate these risks.

Conclusion

While YouTube monetization offers exciting opportunities for content creators, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks. From algorithm changes to privacy concerns, these monetization challenges can significantly impact a creator’s journey on the platform.

By understanding these challenges, aspiring YouTubers can better prepare themselves for the realities of content creation as a career. It’s crucial to approach YouTube monetization with a balanced perspective, weighing the potential rewards against the possible disadvantages.

Ultimately, success on YouTube requires not just great content, but also the ability to navigate these monetization challenges effectively. With the right strategy and mindset, creators can work towards building a sustainable and rewarding presence on the platform.

Happening

Does Country Matter on YouTube for Monetization?

Published

2 weeks ago

July 10, 2024

Mark Sikaundi

In the ever-expanding world of online content creation, YouTube monetization stands out as a way for creators to turn their passion into profit. However, a common question among aspiring YouTubers is whether their geographical location impacts their ability to monetize their content. Let’s dive deep into the intricacies of YouTube monetization and explore how your country of residence might affect your earning potential.

Understanding YouTube Monetization Basics

Before we address the country-specific aspects, it’s crucial to understand the fundamentals of YouTube monetization. The YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is the primary way creators can earn money directly from their videos. To join the YPP, creators must meet certain criteria:

Have at least 1,000 subscribers
Accumulate 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months
Comply with YouTube’s community guidelines and advertiser-friendly content policies
Have an AdSense account linked to their channel

Once these requirements are met, creators can apply for the YPP and start earning revenue through various means such as ad revenue, channel memberships, and Super Chat.

The Global Reach of YouTube Monetization

YouTube is available in over 100 countries, with its monetization features accessible in many of these regions. However, the availability of specific monetization features can vary depending on your location. Here’s how your country can influence your YouTube monetization journey:

1. Eligibility for the YouTube Partner Program

While the basic requirements for joining the YPP are the same globally, some countries may have additional restrictions or requirements. It’s essential to check YouTube’s up-to-date policies for your specific region to ensure eligibility.

2. Available Monetization Features

Not all YouTube monetization features are available in every country. For example, channel memberships and Super Chat may be limited to certain regions. Always verify which features are accessible in your location to maximize your earning potential.

3. Ad Rates and CPM

CPM (Cost Per Mille) rates, which determine how much you earn per thousand views, can vary significantly between countries. Generally, advertisers pay more for views from countries with higher purchasing power, such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. This means that creators in these countries may potentially earn more per view compared to those in developing nations.

4. Payment Thresholds and Methods

The minimum payment threshold and available payout methods can differ based on your country. While most regions have a $100 threshold before payments are issued, some countries may have higher or lower limits. Additionally, the options for receiving payments (e.g., wire transfer, Western Union, or checks) may vary.

5. Tax Implications

Your country of residence will determine the tax regulations applicable to your YouTube earnings. Some countries have tax treaties with the United States (where YouTube is based), which can affect withholding rates on your revenue.

Strategies to Overcome Geographical Limitations in YouTube Monetization

While your country can indeed impact your YouTube monetization potential, there are strategies to maximize your earnings regardless of location:

Create Content with Global Appeal
Optimize for English-Speaking Audiences
Focus on Niche Topics
Diversify Your Income Streams
Collaborate with International Creators
Stay Informed About Policy Changes

YouTube Monetization Success: Beyond Geographical Boundaries

In conclusion, while your country does play a role in YouTube monetization, it’s not the sole determining factor for success. The platform offers global opportunities for creators to earn revenue, albeit with some variations in features and potential earnings based on location.

By understanding these geographical nuances and implementing strategies to overcome potential limitations, creators from any country can build successful, monetized YouTube channels. Remember, the key to YouTube success lies in creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your target audience, regardless of where you or they are located.

Ultimately, your creativity, consistency, and ability to connect with viewers are the most crucial factors in your YouTube monetization journey. So, wherever you are in the world, focus on honing your craft, growing your audience, and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of online content creation.