Spotify Introduces Lossless Music Streaming Support
Spotify has officially announced the long-awaited launch of high-quality, lossless music streaming for its premium subscribers, marking a significant milestone for the platform. After initially introducing the idea in 2021, the rollout faced several delays due to licensing challenges. Now, users can enjoy streaming at up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC quality, which preserves the original audio without compression. The feature will be available in over 50 countries, with select regions already gaining access.
Delayed Launch and Features
Spotify first revealed plans for a hi-fi tier in 2021, promising CD-quality audio for its users. However, the implementation faced multiple setbacks, primarily due to licensing issues that complicated the process. In a statement last year, CEO Daniel Ek acknowledged that the company was still in the early stages of launching lossless streaming support. Despite the delays, Spotify has been hinting at the introduction of a more expensive tier for lossless music through various reports and code hints within the app.
The newly launched feature allows premium users to stream music in 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC quality. This format is designed to maintain the original audio quality without any compression. Spotify has confirmed that the rollout will occur throughout October, with users in countries such as Australia, Germany, Japan, and the United States already receiving access. Notifications will alert users when they can enable lossless streaming, which can be activated through the app’s Settings and Privacy menu.
Device Compatibility and Data Usage
The lossless streaming feature is compatible across various devices, but users must manually enable it for each device they use with their Spotify account. This means that the setting will not automatically apply to all devices, requiring individual adjustments. As lossless audio files are larger in size, users will have the ability to monitor their data usage while streaming. While lossless tracks can be streamed over Wi-Fi, users should note that Bluetooth-connected devices may not support this due to bandwidth limitations.
For optimal streaming quality, Spotify recommends using Spotify Connect to link with devices from brands like Bose, Yamaha, and Bluesound. This allows users to enjoy high-quality music over Wi-Fi, circumventing the restrictions that Bluetooth may impose. Notably, Apple has also raised concerns about Bluetooth’s limitations for streaming high-fidelity audio.
Competitive Landscape
Spotify’s entry into the lossless streaming market comes after competitors like Apple Music and Amazon Music have already established their offerings. Apple Music introduced lossless streaming in 2021, while Amazon Music made its lossless tier available for free after launching a paid HD option in 2019. Despite being late to the game, Spotify claims that its new feature covers nearly every track in its extensive library of 100 million songs, although some tracks may still lack lossless support. As Spotify rolls out this long-anticipated feature, it aims to enhance the listening experience for its premium users, aligning itself with industry standards and responding to the growing demand for high-quality audio streaming.
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