Amazon has a pair of subscription music services in the works — one an industry-standard $10-a-month unlimited service for all devices, and the other a service that would work only with its Echo device. The Echo service would cost about half as much, but still offer unlimited, ad-free music on demand. Amazon would like to launch both services next month, but still needs to finalize deals with major music labels and publishers.
[Peter Kafka | Recode]
One Kings Lane was almost a unicorn; it ended up being a dog. The online home-furnishings retailer was valued at $900 million in early 2014 when it raised more than $100 million from investors. But after struggling to maintain its "flash sales" business model, it ended up selling to Bed Bath & Beyond in June for less than $30 million.
[Jason Del Rey | Recode]
Android Nougat, the latest version of Google's mobile operating system, has begun its slow trickle into the market. Nougat is rolling out first to newer Nexus devices, but after that, availability will depend on how quickly phone makers can make sure the new version works with their various customizations and get approval from carriers — a process that often takes months.
[Ina Fried | Recode]
Leaving Google doesn't mean leaving Google's sphere of influence. The search giant is investing in and advising a number of startups founded by former Googlers, including Hello Network, the latest company from Orkut Büyükkökten, creator of Orkut, a social network that Google bought and later closed.
[Mark Bergen | Recode]
Microsoft announced the acquisition of Genee, a startup that uses artificial intelligence to automate and coordinate the scheduling of meetings. Genee's service will close in two weeks, but the tech will make its way into Office 365.
[Ina Fried | Recode]
