Spotify may finally be ready to debut a premium HiFi audio tier

Rumors about a Spotify HiFi tier have been around since at least 2017, and the company even announced plans to launch such a feature in 2021 — only to back off the next year. Now, the company may finally be ready to launch a high-fidelity plan (dubbed "Supremium" internally) that would be its most expensive tier, according to Bloomberg. The aim would be to drive more revenue and address investor demands that it raise its prices. Spotify reportedly delayed rolling out the plan back in 2021 as two of its primary rivals, Apple Music and Amazon Music, started including the feature for no charge in their standard plans.  In addition, Spotify may enhance its regular Premium offering with expanded audiobook access, either through a certain number of free hours per month or a specific number of books (with an option to purchase more). Audiobooks are currently only available on Spotify via individual purchases. There's no word on whether audio would be lossless at up to 24-bit and 192kHz, as it is on Apple Music and Amazon Music. Lossless audio generally doesn't work on Bluetooth speakers or headphones (including Apple's AirPods and AirPods Max), due to the high bandwidth, so users need a wired or WiFi setup.Pricing hasn't been revealed, either. Spotify has kept its Premium plan at $9.99/month in the US, unlike Apple and Amazon, which raised their rates to $10.99. CEO Daniel Ek said in a recent earnings call that the company tries to balance subscriber growth with revenue, so... Continue reading at 'Engadget'

[ Engadget | 2023-06-20 12:38:47 UTC ]
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Debut poets dominate £30k Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize shortlist

The work of young and experimental poets dominates this year's Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize, worth £30,000. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-04-06 21:43:32 UTC ]
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Avon's Wickington buys Marchant debut in first acquisition

HarperCollins imprint Avon is to publish Clare Marchant's debut The Secrets of Saffron Hall.  Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-04-06 00:16:57 UTC ]
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Elizabeth Wetmore’s ‘Valentine’ is a thrilling debut that deserves your attention

The tightening terror of the novel’s first chapter is impossible to break away from. Continue reading at The Washington Post

[ The Washington Post | 2020-03-31 16:41:14 UTC ]
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After Third Ruling, Is GSU E-Reserves Case Finally Nearing Conclusion?

On March 2, Judge Orinda Evans delivered her third ruling in the long-running copyright case over college course readings, and recent filings suggest the biggest issue that remains is who will pay the bills for the last 12 years of litigation. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2020-03-30 04:00:00 UTC ]
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Audible acquires audio-exclusive title on animal behaviour

Audible is to publish audio exclusive title, Animal Societies: How Co-Operation Conquered the Natural World, by Professor Ashley Ward. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-03-27 12:27:09 UTC ]
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Orion bags 'achingly funny' debut from HarperCollins marketer

Orion has bagged the "visceral, sharp and achingly funny" debut of Kirsty Capes, a 26-year-old marketer at HarperCollins. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-03-27 06:01:58 UTC ]
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Finally working on that novel as you self-isolate? You're not alone

There’s been a rapid rise in submissions from would-be authors since the coronavirus outbreak. If you’re dusting off your manuscript, here are some things to keep in mindIf you’re one of those people who always said they would write a novel if only they had the time: this is your moment. As more... Continue reading at The Guardian

[ The Guardian | 2020-03-26 16:00:31 UTC ]
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Zawe Ashton narrates Von Reinhold's debut

The audiobook version of Shola Von Reinhold's debut, Lote (Jacaranda), will feature narration from award-winning “Fresh Meat” star Zawe Ashton. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-03-25 17:44:53 UTC ]
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6 Debut Fantasy Novels Starring Black Women

I often talk about how I created A Phoenix First Must Burn, my anthology of fantasy stories by black women authors, for my younger self, a girl who loved fantasy and science fiction and so desperately wanted to see herself in those worlds. It’s a strange experience to create the thing you wanted... Continue reading at Electric Literature

[ Electric Literature | 2020-03-25 11:00:00 UTC ]
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At On Air Fest, the Lit World Pivots to Audio

The fourth annual On Air Fest, held earlier this month in Brooklyn, prominently featured a number of figures and institutions from the book world, reflecting a growing publishing and literary presence in the podcast sector. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2020-03-24 04:00:00 UTC ]
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Head of Zeus bags romantic comedy by debut author Nicole Kennedy

Head of Zeus is to publish the debut novel of Nicole Kennedy, a former city lawyer.  Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-03-23 14:35:00 UTC ]
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Kate Elizabeth Russell’s debut novel is an unsettling tale of abuse

“My Dark Vanessa” will strike a chord with women. But it ought to be read by men Continue reading at The Economist

[ The Economist | 2020-03-21 00:00:00 UTC ]
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Life, Lust, and Science in Arlene Heyman’s Debut

The novel 'Aritfact' traces the coming of age of an independent woman biologist. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2020-03-20 04:00:00 UTC ]
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Kate Elizabeth Russell’s debut novel is an unsettling tale of abuse

“My Dark Vanessa” will strike a chord with women. But it ought to be read by men Continue reading at The Economist

[ The Economist | 2020-03-19 15:48:46 UTC ]
More news stories like this | All news stories tagged with: #dark vanessa #unsettling tale #debut novel


Meh on the Debut, In Love With the Sophomore

TFW you didn't love the debut novel and are completely taken by surprise when you fall head over heels for that same author's second book. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2020-03-19 10:35:57 UTC ]
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PRH Audio partners with comic book publisher Rebellion

Penguin Random House UK has announced a new partnership between its audio division and Rebellion, a publisher of comic books, fiction and video games, in response to increasing demand for science fiction audio. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-03-18 22:09:16 UTC ]
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Without Places to Gather, Debut Novelists Reimagine Book Promotion

First-time novelists with books out or coming soon talk about their changes of plans and how they’re spending these unusual days. Continue reading at The New York Times

[ The New York Times | 2020-03-18 20:00:14 UTC ]
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Bloomsbury wins Imogen Crimp's debut novel in four-way auction

Bloomsbury Publishing has won Imogen Crimp’s debut novel, The High Notes, in a four-way auction.  Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-03-17 18:04:44 UTC ]
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Debut psychological YA thriller pre-empted in Germany and Russia

Naomi Gibson’s debut YA novel has been pre-empted in Germany and Russia, two weeks after being sent out by Chicken House.  Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-03-17 04:24:57 UTC ]
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Piccadilly Press snaps up Hannah Peck’s debut series

Piccadilly Press, an imprint of Bonnier Books UK, has signed author-illustrator Hannah Peck to its list for her debut three-book series of children’s fiction. Continue reading at The Bookseller

[ The Bookseller | 2020-03-16 17:30:10 UTC ]
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