Avner Ronen, founder of consumer electronics startup Boxee, has rolled out Public, a messaging service that he calls “a third medium for broadcasting conversations.” Public, which raised $2 million at the end of 2015 and is available as an iPhone app and website, broadcasts group chats to an audience, complete with GIFs and emoji. A handful of active participants chat about a topic, which anyone can follow in real-time or read later. Chats can also be shared on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or embedded in other websites. Continue reading App for Broadcasting Text Chats Rolls Out with ‘SummerBreak’

Groopie, an app that just launched on iOS, is hoping to be the next maker of online stars. Now, a team of vloggers can collaborate on episodes of their own shows. Friends can shoot video at the same time, and use built-in editing tools to select the camera angle and audio source. The beta testers who have been experimenting with the app for the past six months have already created reality and scripted shows. Groopie videos can also be shared on Facebook and Twitter. Continue reading Groopie Social Network Lets Vloggers Collaborate on Episodes

Viacom’s Music Group is partnering with Spotify to provide consumers with free music from featured artists via their website and apps. The company will also provide music from its series and franchises, including MTV’s “Teen Wolf,” VH1’s “Love and Hip Hop,” CMT’s “Party Down South” and the “MTV Video Music Awards.” More than 150 Spotify playlists will be available across Viacom’s network of sites, while Spotify will promote them to its 40 million global users. Continue reading Viacom Music Group and Spotify Form Streaming Partnership