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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The best early Prime Day deals for 2023

Amazon Prime Day 2023 is one week away on July 11th, but you don't have to wait until then to get a good deal. The company has started to roll out a few early Prime Day deals before the two-day shopping event officially commences, including, as expected, several discounts on its own devices and... Continue reading at Engadget

[ Engadget | 2023-07-04 12:48:53 UTC ]
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Trump Lawyers Argue Copyright Suit Against Woodward, S&S Should Proceed

The former president's lawyers contend that he was speaking in his personal capacity, not as president of the United States, when he gave a series or recorded interviews later used in the 2022 audiobook 'The Trump Tapes.' Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-07-03 04:00:00 UTC ]
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The best Amazon Prime Day early access deals for 2023

Amazon has announced that Prime Day 2023 will begin on July 11th, but you don't have to wait until then to get a good deal. The company has started to roll out a few early Prime Day deals before the two-day shopping event officially commences, including, as expected, several discounts on its own... Continue reading at Engadget

[ Engadget | 2023-06-30 15:20:45 UTC ]
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The best Amazon Prime Day early access deals for 2023

Amazon has announced that Prime Day 2023 will begin on July 11th, but you don't have to wait until then to get a good deal. The company has started to roll out a few early Prime Day deals before the two-day shopping event officially commences, including, as expected, several discounts on its own... Continue reading at Engadget

[ Engadget | 2023-06-23 16:30:09 UTC ]
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Amazon is selling two Echo Show 5 Kids smart displays for the price of one

If you think your kids should have a smart display of their very own, this might be a good time to grab two of them from Amazon. In advance of Prime Day, you can get two Echo Show 5 Kids for the price of one. The displays came out in 2023 and typically go for $100 each. By using the code... Continue reading at Engadget

[ Engadget | 2023-06-22 16:30:34 UTC ]
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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... Continue reading at Engadget

[ Engadget | 2023-06-20 12:38:47 UTC ]
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‘AI Voices’ in Audiobooks: Storytel in ElevenLabs Partnership

Storytel invests in ElevenLabs, looking to offer automated audiobook readings and 'voice switching' for users between preferred voices. The post ‘AI Voices’ in Audiobooks: Storytel in ElevenLabs Partnership appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2023-06-13 21:58:52 UTC ]
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Innovation Fuels the Thriving Audiobook Industry

Publishers are developing new strategies and leveraging existing strengths in the ever-evolving audiobook market. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-06-02 04:00:00 UTC ]
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Where to Start with Audiobook Publishing

Audiobook publisher Sean McManus provides tips on how indie authors can benefit from the audiobook boom. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-06-02 04:00:00 UTC ]
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Three Spanish-language Audiobook Success Stories

Mariane Féged, director of Spanish markets at Bookwire, highlights three titles that have been especially popular on the service. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-06-02 04:00:00 UTC ]
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APA Report: US Sees Double-Digit Audiobook Sales Growth for 11th Year

The Audio Publishers Association finds in its annual report that audiobook sales generated $1.8 billion in the United States in 2022. The post APA Report: US Sees Double-Digit Audiobook Sales Growth for 11th Year appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2023-06-01 15:27:14 UTC ]
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The Audiobook Market, and Revenue, Keeps Growing

The Audio Publishers Association’s annual sales survey revealed an 11th straight year of double-digit growth in audiobook sales, with 2022 revenue from reporting publishers up 10%, to $1.8 billion. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-06-01 04:00:00 UTC ]
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'AudioFile' Magazine Announces 2023 Golden Voice Award Winners

'AudioFile' has named the three winners of its annual Golden Voice awards, which honors voice actors who have made significant contributions to audiobook publishing. The recipients are Kevin R. Free, Marin Ireland, and Nicholas Boulton. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-05-31 04:00:00 UTC ]
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Summer Listening Sorted: Don’t Miss Out on These 28 Free Audiobooks from SYNC

SYNC, an annual summer audiobook program for teens, is back to provide 28 free audiobooks from April to August. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2023-04-24 10:37:00 UTC ]
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Norway’s Beat Technology Partners With Sweden’s Adlibris

A Publishing Perspectives exclusive: Beat Technology's newest platform is an audiobook and ebook app for Sweden's Adlibris book retailer. The post Norway’s Beat Technology Partners With Sweden’s Adlibris appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2023-04-13 16:52:02 UTC ]
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The best ereaders for 2023

Anyone who stares at a screen all day probably doesn’t want to do so when they unwind with a book. But the convenience of getting a new read instantaneously and carrying a full bookcase in your pocket is pretty appealing. Ereaders combine the best of paper and computers, and they’re capable of... Continue reading at Engadget

[ Engadget | 2023-04-04 13:00:13 UTC ]
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Audible is now testing ads in your audiobooks for some reason

Amazon-owned Audible has started putting ads in audiobooks, potentially indicating a sea change within the industry. The company says it is “conducting limited testing” on a select user base with the advertisements and that this step is currently reserved for non-paying members, giving them... Continue reading at Engadget

[ Engadget | 2023-03-30 18:54:46 UTC ]
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2023 Audie Award Winners Announced

The winners of 2023 Audie Awards were announced this week. The award honors the best audiobook performances in 26 categories. Continue reading at Book Riot

[ Book Riot | 2023-03-30 17:36:40 UTC ]
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Germany’s Bookwire Announces Opening a United States Subsidiary

The ebook and audiobook distributor Bookwire opens its presence in a seventh country, looking to the United States for new business. The post Germany’s Bookwire Announces Opening a United States Subsidiary appeared first on Publishing Perspectives. Continue reading at Publishing Perspectives

[ Publishing Perspectives | 2023-03-30 16:58:12 UTC ]
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2023 Audie Awards Return to New York, Celebrate Viola Davis

At the Audio Publishers Association's first in-person Audie Awards ceremony since 2020, Viola Davis's 'Finding Me' took home the prize for Audiobook of the Year. Continue reading at Publishers Weekly

[ Publishers Weekly | 2023-03-29 04:00:00 UTC ]
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