Spotify, one of the leading music streaming platforms, has hinted at plans to introduce a new, pricier subscription package, dubbed “Music Pro.” According to some reports, the new subscription will boast lossless audio capabilities and other added features that could place it amongst the high-end music streaming packages.
The rumors of Spotify venturing closer to lossless audio came long before its rival, Apple Music, enabled lossless support in 2021. Insiders have chanced upon hidden code within the Spotify app that outlines what users can anticipate with its ‘Music Pro’ offering. This includes support for FLAC audio files up to 24-bit/44.1kHz, which is quite an improvement from Apple Music’s range of 16-bit/44.1 kHz to 24-bit/192 kHz.
Lossless audio, for the uninitiated, is an audio compression format that retains all original data. This means that the listener gets to access an audio that is identical to its master file. Resultantly, there’s more sound detail for the listener to pick on. However, listening to lossless audio would require the use of specialized hardware like premium wired headphones.
The music streaming giants aren’t merely looking at providing pristine audio quality as justification for the increased subscription amount. Additional features such as a new remix element that allows users to alter tracks and a sophisticated headphone optimization feature for Apple’s AirPods have also been hinted at. Indicators of more complex AI-powered filters that help in curating playlists have also been discovered.
At this moment, the timeline for the launch of Spotify’s Music Pro tier or its pricing details are yet to be disclosed. Still, the company is insistent on charging more for its lossless audio services, whereas Apple has already made hi-fi audio available to its subscribers at no extra cost. If Spotify’s Music Pro does debut at a higher price, will it prompt users to make the switch to Apple Music? The sound-waves remain uncertain.
Vocabulary List:
- Subscription (noun): A payment made regularly in order to access a service or product.
- Package (noun): A collection of related items or services sold together.
- Lossless (adjective): Preserving all data and quality of the original source.
- Capabilities (noun): The power or ability to perform specific functions.
- Indicators (noun): Signs or signals that show or suggest something.
- Curating (verb): Selectingorganizingand presenting items or content.