Netflix partners with Microsoft to develop ad-supported subscription; Spotify acquires Heardle

In today’s ExchangeWire news digest: Netflix selects Microsoft to co-develop its ad-supported tier; Spotify buys music trivia game Heardle; and Google is responding to Match’s lawsuit with a counter-suit.

Netflix partners with Microsoft for ad-supported tier

Netflix has partnered with Microsoft to develop an ad-supported subscription plan. The streaming platform, which had a tumultuous year after losing 200,000 subscribers in the first quarter, said it chose Microsoft as its global advertising and sales partner to create a “discounted subscription plan funded by The advertisement”.

In a press release issued yesterday (July 13), Netflix Chief Operating Officer Greg Peters outlined the company’s goal to provide “more consumer choice and a better, premium TV brand experience.” than linear, to advertisers. We are excited to work with Microsoft to bring this new service to life.

Spotify acquires music trivia game Heardle

Streaming giant Spotify bought Heardlemusical spin-off of the popular Wordle word puzzle, for an undisclosed amount.

Announcing the acquisition on Tuesday July 12, Spotify described Heardle as a “music discovery tool”, with the company’s global head of music, Jeremy Erlich, commenting that “Heardle has has proven to be a really fun way to connect millions of fans with songs they know and love and new songs.

The game can be played in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, with Spotify planning to expand Heardle to new markets.

Google counters suit Match Group

Google hit back at Match Group antitrust lawsuit by filing a lawsuit against the dating app maker.

Match – which boasts dating heavy hitters including Tinder, Hinge and OkCupid – sued Google in May, accusing the company of using anti-competitive tactics to monopolize the Google Play app market. However, the tech giant has now hit back at Match, accusing the company of making a “cynical attempt” to exploit Google Play’s platform and skirt usage fees.

Also in the news:

– Clinch Accelerates Business Growth in EMEA with New Business Lead and Platform Launch

– Playground xyz shines a light on the nuanced interplay between context, creativity and attention

– Amplified Intelligence appoints Anneliese Urquhart as Chief Product Officer

– Index Exchange Announces Partnership with Scope3 to Enable a Greener Digital Media Ecosystem