Spotify bumps revenue and user base, Spider-Man sure talks a lot and Alexa's wand is somewhat less than magic. All that and more in The Daily Crunch for June 15, 2017.

1. Spotify's user and revenue growth continue

Streaming music service Spotify has 140 million total users, at least 50 million of which are paying subscribers. That's a lot, and it's helping drive the company's big revenue increases.

Still, Spotify has to earmark a lot of that cash for its label partners – who expect minimum guaranteed payments, over and above per-stream revenue. The question remains whether Spotify can amass enough power to help put margin pressure on the label companies that hit it up for cash.

2. Amazon's Dash Wand is now like a biggish pocket Alexa

Amazon has added Alexa to its Dash Wand, the weird gadget it made that lets you scan barcodes for grocery deals. Dash Wand can still do that, but now it can also respond to Alexa queries thanks to a new button. It's basically free, too – $20 with a $20 rebate for purchasers. Amazon is clearly very willing to experiment with the best way to spread Alexa far and wide.

3. Twitter seeks simplicity in pursuit of new users

Twitter is trying to woo new users with a big redesign for its iOS app. The changes make the mobile app look a lot more like its Android equivalent. This will confuse existing users, and could work better for new people, making it stickier? I don't know.

4. Microsoft's Surface Pro makes a strong case for the Surface Laptop

For Brian, the new Surface Pro just reminds him why he wants the new Surface Laptop from Microsoft. For me, it sounds like I'd be much happier with the Surface Pro, since my goal for the device would be a lightweight but full-fledged run-and-gun photo-editing platform that can also let me do some word typing when required. Two sides, same coin.

5. Sphero made a talking Spider-Man doll

This is a weird departure for Sphero, which typically has made robots that roll around in some fashion, but the conversational Spider-Man toy they created probably has a lot to do with their Disney backing. I wouldn't be surprised if they eventually become an in-house shop creating 'innovative' toys for Disney properties.

6. Middle Eastern Uber rival raises $150 million, brings Daimler in

Uber's failing fortunes are likely great news for rivals making pitches to potential funders. There's no question that the company found a deep market need, but now it looks like it might fall apart at the seams before it can truly secure itself as a stable, global market leader. Careem took advantage; so will many others.

7. Facebook wants your input on censorship

This will not end well. Polling the crowd is a great way to make sure no one is happy, and that's going to be especially true on the thorny topic of censorship on Facebook.