Bloom.fm- Apple banned us from iAd because we're 'a threat'

Bloom.fm: Apple banned us from iAd because we're 'a threat'
Bloom.fm, a London-based streaming-music service that offers everything from access to free radio to song borrowing, believes Apple is scared of its operation. Speaking to CNET on Friday, a Bloom.fm spokesman confirmed that the company's ad-spend on Apple's mobile-advertising platform iAd has been banned by the iPhone maker. The only suitable reason for that, the spokesman argues, is that Apple views its service as a threat. "We were surprised at Apple's decision to ban us from their iAd network as their iTunes Radio service isn't even available in the UK," the spokesman told CNET. "Bloom.fm gives you 22 million tracks for £1 a month -- the price of a single download on iTunes -- so I can see why they'd want to protect their business." Apple's online radio service, iTunes Radio, has quickly gained ground in the US since its launch last September, but it remains far behind the current leader in streaming radio, Pandora. iTunes Radio is not currently available in the UK, but is expected to launch in thatmarket sometime this year. Apple's Bloom ouster might be priming thepump for its eventual iTunes Radio launch.Related storiesApple reportedly mulling revamp of iTunes music storeRhapsody tells (almost) all to get you listeningAmanda Palmer confronts the 'current nightmare of the modern musician' (Q&A)Spotify beautifies Bloom is a lesser-known streaming provider in the UK. The company provides free access to streaming radio stations and includes everything from playlist support to full iTunes Radio-like streaming. The company also has a borrowing feature that lets users borrow up to 20 songs per month for £1. After the month is up, they can no longer listen to the tracks without "borrowing" them again. Bloom spent £2,000 per month on Apple's iAd network, promoting its service to iPhone, iPod, and iPad owners, according to a Guardian report. On Wednesday, however, Apple said that it could no longer advertise through its network. Bloom announced the news on its Twitter page, saying that Apple called its offering "a competitive service to iTunes Radio and it is against Apple policy." By banning Bloom, however, Apple might have given the service more notoriety than it otherwise had. Bloom has a million registered users, making it substantially smaller than services like Pandora or Spotify. But Apple has put Bloom in front of more people, which could help the service grow. Not surprisingly, Bloom seems pleased by the attention it's getting. On Wednesday, the company sarcastically tweeted that Apple's move must mean the company is "big time now." The company told CNET on Friday that the iAd ban is "flattering." "[Apple's] decision isn't going to affect our growth and it's actually quite flattering they see us as such a threat," the spokesman said. The iAd ban might not affect Bloom's own advertising budget. Depending on the company's plans, it's possible that the Bloom ads could come back to Apple devices through alternative mobile-ad services like Google's AdMob. CNET has contacted Apple for comment on Bloom. We will update this story when we have more information.

The 404 397- Where Justin's back, and so are the glasses

The 404 397: Where Justin's back, and so are the glasses
After getting mauled by a bear in Yosemite (where's the app for THAT?), I'm back, and much to Jeff, Wilson, and everyone else's dismay SO ARE THE GLASSES! That's right suckers, a little Krazy Glue goes a long way, but I'm not sure how long these things will last, so please continue to e-mail us submissions for the contest to choose my next frames. I'm not gonna lie, I've missed the show dearly and it's great to be back!The first half of today's show has a lot of movie talk, starting with us talking all sorts of garbage on the new "G.I. Joe" movie. The movie won't be prescreened to critics, and we suspect it has something to do with the trailer receiving so much backlash from justifiably angry fans of the original television series. Jeff also gives us his take on the trailer for "District 9", the new science fiction movie based on the short film Alive in Joburg. Go check that out and let "G.I. Joe" go the way of the buffalo!The second half just gets nuts, that's all I'll say. OK, well, without giving too much away, it all starts with the Get It Guy, a fake Australian accent, and a very steamy call from SadaCori in the chatroom (a must listen!), but then we get a surprise knock from Motherboard herself, who has something very special to show us...something that NOBODY HAS SEEN BEFORE, so be sure to check out the video for all the details. After that, we dredge up a claim about racism in Resident Evil 5 and it all devolves from there. Trust us, it's the last time you'll hear about it!As always, feel free to leave us a voicemail at 1-866-404-CNET or get in touch with us on Twitter or at the404[at]cnet[dot]com!EPISODE 397PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang