Amazon prepares to launch high-definition streaming service
Shortly after launching its free music streaming service on April 18, Amazon continues its foray into the streaming industry with plans to launch a high-fidelity music streaming platform. The biggest players in high-definition streaming currently are TIDAL and Deezer, both of which offer streams at 44.1 kHz / 16 bit for $19.99 per month. TIDAL additionally offers a “Masters” quality, which encompasses thousands of albums at 96 kHz / 24 bit, made possible by its partnership with MQA.
Reports say that Amazon has already secured the potential licensing from one major record label while in talks with other large music-rights holders. The new tier is presumed to be around $15 per month and expected to launch before the end of 2019. With the entry of hi-def service, Amazon will essentially cover every tier of recorded music in both streaming and physical products like merchandise, vinyl, and CDs. As of now, Amazon’s digital music services include its free Alexa streaming, Prime membership-catalog, and on-demand access via Amazon Music Unlimited. While Spotify and Apple Music have yet to make moves on the hi-def streaming space, Amazon’s strategic ventures into the music space may give it leverage to leaving to compete for a spot as one of the biggest music subscription streaming platforms globally.
Categories: News