Spotify finally adds Hi-Res Audio streaming to its service, in a movement that could attract Tidal , Deezer and Users from Amazon Music Unlimited on the popular platform music streaming .
Spotify HiFi will be available to Premium subscribers in "certain regions " and will stream music in the form of "CD quality lossless audio format to your device and compatible speakers Spotify Connect ”, according to the company.
No firm release date has been announced yet, but Spotify says it will be rolling out in these (not yet confirmed) regions "later this year ", with the company teasing that it will have "more details to share soon ".
Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but as an option -on for Premium users, it probably won't be free.
Aside from its free base delivery level which comes with s, Spotify Premium is the cheapest tier available, costing $ 9.99 / £ 9.99 / AU $ 11.99 per month.
In an effort to undercut the competition, Spotify could fixedr the price of its HiFi stream level at around $ 12.99 / £ 12.99 / AU $ 16 per month, compared to Amazon's $ 14.99 / £ 14.99 and Hi-Res stream levels of Tidal at $ 19.99 / £ 19.99 / AU $ 23.99.
It's about time
Spotify says "high quality music streaming is still one of the most requested new features by our users ", and it 's no wonder how many other streaming services have already offered this for years.
Until now, Spotify 's audio was limited to 320kbps, unlike CDs, which max out at 1411kbps - and the upgrade is expected to offer levels of detail and much higher clarity for those with demanding ears.
The announcement could seriously worry the likes of Tidal and Amazon Music Unlimited - and it puts even more space between the data Apple Music and the rest of the competition, which still does not offer Hi-Res Audio streaming.
Whether Spotify dominates the Hi-Res streaming market like it has with regular streaming will largely depend on how much it decides to charge for the privilege - and if it Can undermine the competition, it's easy to navigate - a navigation interface, an excellent selection of playlists and a plethora of songs could solidify its place as the world's most popular streaming service for years to come.
