Amazon is working on a high-definition tier for its paid music service, according to a new Music Business Worldwide report. The e-commerce giant has been talking to multiple rights holders about launching a high-definition service, which is likely going be priced around $15 per month, according to the report.
Amazon could potentially launch the new tier before the end of the year; a company spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The new service tier would compete with a number of other high-resolution streaming services in the marketplace. Deezer first launched in the U.S. with a high-resolution tier, which offers access to lossless audio for $19.99 per month. Tidal also offers lossless audio streaming for $19.99 per month.
Amazon’s current music service is priced $9.99 per month, with a $2 discount for Prime subscribers. The company is also offering a $3.99 tier for consumers who want unlimited music listening on one single Echo speaker or Fire TV, and has a separate free plan for Prime subscribers that is based on personalized playlists, but doesn’t offer full on-demand access to its entire catalog.
Amazon’s interest in high-definition audio isn’t entirely surprising: The company has been moving upmarket with its audio hardware in recent months, and recently released an Echo Link Amp product for audiophile consumers interested in Alexa voice control.
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