Spotify's entrance into the hi-res streaming pool has been long rumoured - and desired - over the years, but it could be Amazon who pips the green giant to the hi-res streaming post.
Amazon is preparing to launch a hi-res tier later this year, according to Music Business Worldwide, who has allegedly heard 'whispers' from several music industry sources regarding the upcoming launch of a high-fidelity platform. The report continues to say that at least one major record company has already agreed to license it.
The new Amazon tier would reportedly offer above-CD-quality streaming at $15/month, sitting above Amazon Music Unlimited's current $9.99/per month tier, which, like Spotify, offers streams under 16-bit CD quality.
The new hi-res option would directly compete with - and, price-wise, undercut - Tidal and Qobuz, who both offer hi-res, 24-bit streaming services for £19.99/month and £24.99/month respectively.
At only $15/£15 per month, such a service from the retail giant could spell trouble for streaming's two hi-res audio pioneers if it matches their catalogue availability and bitrate quality.
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