Apple considers streaming service for Android app

[OxyKon]

Apple has been in discussion with various label executives about launching an on-demand streaming service that would rival Beats Music and Spotify. The digital music pioneer also tossed around the idea for an Android app to offset the steadily declining numbers of US iTunes downloads as a result of an increase in Android-ready devices. iTunes currently accounts for more than 40% of US recorded music revenue and any decision it makes will have a profound impact on labels’ business models.

While iTunes Radio is available as Apple’s current streaming service, the user has limited control over the songs they can hear and the platform has only made a small impact on Pandora’s market share. With YouTube already set to launch their own streaming service it looks as if the industry is experiencing a shift in how music is consumed.

Source: dancingastronaut.com

[Scottie]

If they go ahead with it, I reckon it'll be fucking dope if they put it together right. Streaming will eventually overtake purchases anyway, especially as mobile data caps get higher.

[Kodiak]

If they go ahead with it, I reckon it'll be fucking dope if they put it together right. Streaming will eventually overtake purchases anyway, especially as mobile data caps get higher.

True. But until I see it stream at 320kbps or whatever the highest quality AAC is I won't buy into it. One of my pet peevs is shitty quality music.

[Scottie]

If im using my phone im fine with anything down to about 128, my portable gear isn't nearly as good as my home shit so I can't hear the difference

[LabRat]

What does spotify and rdio stream at?

[Scottie]

Spotify uses ogg vorbis. 96kbps on mobile normal, 160kbps for desktop standard and mobile high, and 320 on desktop high and mobile extreme if you're premium