Amazon plans hi-res music streaming service, report says

It looks as though Amazon's next move to better compete in the online music marketplace is a new, high-resolution streaming service.

As Music Business Worldwide reports, Amazon is thought to be in discussions with music rights holders regarding licensing deals for hi-res streaming of their tracks, and at least one is already interested. The goal is to secure enough music to launch the new service before the end of 2019 and at a cost of $15 per month for customers.

The most well-known high-fidelity music streaming services already available include Tidal, Deezer, and newcomer Qobuz, all of which charge $19.99 per month for hi-res music, meaning Amazon would be offering a significant saving over the competition. What we don't know is the level of quality Amazon is aiming for, with MBW's source stating, "It's a better bit rate, better than CD quality." For comparison, Tidal and Deezer stream 44.1kHz/16-bit FLAC files.

As with all things Amazon does, Prime subscribers are sure to benefit more than everyone else from this new streaming offer. The $15 per month may be the Prime price, or a further discount could be offered to make it more attractive for members.

Amazon clearly wants to compete at all levels in the music market as it already sells music CDs, runs the Amazon Music Unlimited service, Amazon Prime Music, and a new free music streaming service is set to be offered through Echo smart speakers. Now this rumored hi-res streaming service has appeared and it looks like the last piece of the music puzzle for the company.

This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.