https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/4/22313793/turntable-fm-return-two-versions-original Skip to main content The Verge homepage Follow The Verge online: * * * Log in or sign up * Log In * Sign Up The Verge main menu * Tech * Reviews * Science * Creators * Entertainment * Video * Features * Podcasts * Newsletters * Store * More * Tech + Video + Amazon + Apple + Facebook + Google + Microsoft + Samsung + Tesla + AI + Cars + Cybersecurity + Mobile + Policy + Privacy + Scooters + All Tech * Reviews + Phones + Laptops + Headphones + Cameras + Tablets + Smartwatches + Speakers + Drones + Accessories + Buying Guides + How-tos + Deals + More from Verge Reviews * Science + Video + Space + NASA + SpaceX + Health + Energy + Environment + All Science * Creators + YouTube + Instagram + Adobe + Kickstarter + Tumblr + Art Club + Cameras + Photography + What's in your bag? + All Creators * Entertainment + Film + TV + Games + Fortnite + Game of Thrones + Books + Comics + Music + All Entertainment * Video * Features * Podcasts * Newsletters * Store Filed under: * Entertainment * Tech * Music Turntable.fm is back from the dead -- and now there are two A tale of two turntables By Mitchell Clark Mar 4, 2021, 2:52pm EST Share this story * Share this on Facebook * Share this on Twitter * Share All sharing options Share All sharing options for: Turntable.fm is back from the dead -- and now there are two * Linkedin * Reddit * Pocket * Flipboard * Email [Screen_Sho] It's rare that apps come back from the dead, but it seems like that may be what's happening with Turntable.fm, a site that let users create their own radio stations and DJ sets with music they curated before it got shuttered in 2014. Even rarer, it seems like there are two versions involved in the revival: the original Turntable.fm site is back up and running (with the involvement of its original founder, Billy Chasen), but there's also Turntable.org, which will reportedly be launching in beta this April. The two sites seem to be taking different directions: Turntable.org, the new version, mentions there will be a subscription fee (perhaps not a bad idea, given the fate of the first version), while the original seems to be largely unchanged from the one that shut down in 2014. While the original founder has confirmed he's involved with the .fm version, the .org version also has OGs working on it: the Our Team section mentions an original Turntable founding member as well as the artist who designed the original avatars in 2011. Grid View [] * Turntable.fm 2020 Turntable.fm 2020 Screenshot: The Verge * Turntable.fm in 2013. Turntable.fm in 2013. Image: JustAnotherDesigner on YouTube * A screenshot on Turntable.org A screenshot on Turntable.org Image: Turntable.org The original app, and the current Turntable.fm, lets you create a virtual room, then select what music you want to play for anyone listening. At the moment, the song selection seems to be limited to what's available on YouTube, so you probably won't be able to sneakily slide in your mixtape. There appears to be a SoundCloud integration that's not working yet. Also, the whole site seems to be phasing in and out of existence, perhaps due to word of its return getting around: [image] Assuming you can find your way in, the audience can chat about your great (or awful) song selections. You can also co-DJ with collaborators, if you feel like riffing off a friend, or co-worker. While the app looks much the same as it used to, there are some 2021 updates: my avatar has a mask on, and there are GameStop stickers available for DJ's virtual laptops. [image] Nyan Cat and GameStop are both weirdly relevant in 2021. Screenshot: The Verge Turntable.fm shut down in 2013, after a drawn-out fight for survival that we watched closely, hoping that the app would make it. Every piece of news since seemed to point to it never coming back, but today, the site popped back up again, asking for a password to gain access. To get access to the password, the site requests that you send an email including your favorite song (it says it'll let you in if it's a good song, so there go my chances). The original site was loved by many, including us here at The Verge, and it's a welcome surprise to see it back. The world, especially the music industry, has changed a lot since 2013, and it remains to be seen what, if any, lessons Turntable.fm and Turntable.org take from the first go-around and from the replacements that have popped up since its demise. Turntable.fm's About page still boasts that it's music selected by people, not algorithms, which may be just the new / old thing I needed today. Related Dropping the needle: the life and death of Turntable.fm Next Up In Tech Verge Deals 1. Microsoft's first-gen Surface Headphones are down to their lowest price yet Plus, a 44mm Apple Watch Series 6 is $380 at Amazon 2. Western Digital's fast 1TB portable SSD costs less than usual today Ideal for your PC or game console 3. The best deals on true wireless earbuds right now You've got plenty of options 4. Apple's most affordable iPad is down to $299 at select retailers Plus, grab one year of PS Plus for less than $30 5. The LTE-enabled Apple Watch Series 5 has hit its lowest price yet Starting at $319 More in Verge Deals Sign up for the newsletter Processor A newsletter about computers Email (required) [ ] By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Notice and European users agree to the data transfer policy. Subscribe Loading comments... 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