After years of waiting, Spotify has finally announced that it will be launching its HiFi lossless audio streaming service in select markets. The service, which has been in development for two years, promises to deliver high-quality audio to users who are willing to pay a premium price for it.
Spotify’s HiFi service is said to offer CD-quality audio, with the ability to stream lossless music in 16-bit/44.1kHz format. This should come as good news for audiophiles who have been longing for a better streaming experience. However, the service will come at a higher price point than the standard Spotify Premium subscription.
The company has not yet revealed which markets the HiFi service will be available in, or how much it will cost. It has also not provided a timeline for the service’s launch.
Spotify first announced plans for a HiFi service in 2021, with the aim of launching it later that year. However, the service was delayed for two years, with Spotify citing the need to perfect the technology behind it.
With the announcement of the HiFi service, Spotify is now set to compete with other high-quality streaming services like Tidal, Amazon Music HD, and Deezer. However, it remains to be seen whether it can attract users away from these established services.
One factor that could work in Spotify’s favor is its massive user base, which currently stands at over 400 million active users. If the company can convince even a small percentage of these users to switch to the HiFi service, it could become a major player in the lossless audio streaming market.
Spotify’s HiFi service is not the only new feature the company has planned for 2023. The company also recently announced plans to expand into the world of live audio, with the launch of its Greenroom app. The app will allow users to host and participate in live audio conversations, similar to the popular Clubhouse app. The move is part of Spotify’s broader strategy of becoming a leading platform for all types of audio content, from music to podcasts to live conversations.
