Spotify has an AI-driven DJ for a built-for-you radio station

Spotify joins many other companies using artificial intelligence for its service. The app beta tests its new DJ feature in Canada and the US for Premium users. With an AI-generated voice, the app can create a customized radio station built around your musical taste. It isn't too far off what it's doing now with algorithmically-generated playlists. But now, you'll hear a voice intro and commentary we've typically only gotten from the radio experience. If you aren't feeling the recommendations it offers, there's the DJ button you can switch to change up the tracks.

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Spotify expected to layoff employees as soon as this week

Photo by @felipepelaquim on Unsplash

Spotify is the latest tech company expected to layoff employees as soon as this week. It isn't known how many of its 9,800 employees will be affected, but the company is reportedly moving forward with the plan to reduce operational expenses. This layoff is expected to be more broad than previous round of cuts in October, which affected staff working on canceled shows from its in-house podcast studios Gimlet and Parcast.

The streaming service has declined to comment on this report. But Spotify executives have previously signaled plans to reduce headcount-related expenses. CEO Daniel Ek told staff in June the company planned to reduce its hiring growth by 25 percent. CFO Paul Vogel also pointed to “increasing uncertainty regarding the global economy” during Spotify's investor day in June as a reason to evaluate its "headcount growth in the near term." The company is expected to report its fourth-quarter earnings on January 31.

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New Spotify Wrapped 2022 features

You've probably woken up to posts of people sharing the highlights of their Spotify Wrapped 2022 lists. And you might have seen the new additions to the list. If you're consistently on Spotify, you can access your Spotify Wrapped experience on your iOS or Android app. But what are the latest additions to the social media phenomenon? Let's check those out.

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Spotify brings audiobooks to more English-speaking countries

Unfortunately, that doesn't include Canada yet. But Spotify has brought audiobooks to the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. It first made its way to the US in September, bringing over 300,000 audiobook titles for sale. You can purchase the books through Spotify's website because of Apple's App Store restrictions. Once purchased, the book will be saved in your library for listening to anytime you want. It offers offline listening, automatic bookmarking, speed control, and a rating feature.

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