I am not sure that is the problem (i.e. larger files and media rights with labels). Unlike Apple Music and Amazon Music, Spotify has this thing called: Spotify Connect.
I wonder (no one knows) if the roll-out of lossless is a compatibility issue with Spotify Connect.
Spotify has millions (literally) of devices running their unique end-point software. I have it in my car (so do many others) and it’s embedded in just about every piece of consumer audio gear that has an internet connection. What if lossless Spotify required these endpoint software components to be updated? What if auto makers, to use an example, are balking at the increased network demands for lossless audio via their cellular support systems (e.g. OnStar for GM vehicles)?
The list goes on and on… if I put on my Product Manager hat, I could see many such cases that might be more trouble than Daniel Ek was anticipating when he made that announcement.
Anyway… food for thought and we will see what Spotify does to fulfill or walk-back their promise.
Wouldn’t Deezer and other providers like Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music and other have the same bandwidth problem. I am not aware of any at this point. But from 320kbps to CD quality - there is a 4 fold increase in file size. Which means Google will be charging Spotify more for increased storage. Which would be a problem if Spotify cannot charge more for lossless.
Spotify uses Ogg Vorbis and transmits at various bit rates, depending on measured bandwidth to the end-point device. The labels (again, I don’t know but am assuming) deliver digital audio to Spotify as PCM files (WAV? FLAC?). I doubt the labels are responsible for transcoding to Spotify’s specifications.
So, the ‘lossless’ files are likely already being stored by Spotify, so this isn’t an issue of recouping costs with physical storage.
In any event, the bandwidth impact is far more costly than the storage, if you think about how many subscribers Spotify is supporting.
We implemented HiFi-compatible Spotify Connect, but I don’t know the most important question - when (Edit: or if) it’ll be released. I hope it’s sooner rather than later.
No, Indagio the heart of this music manager in the classical field still beats for his Idagio, but it does not get easier when you look at the really big players. If you work against companies that would sell even your grandmother for profit and pay you any price for your classical heart, you are also getting involved with the devil. But then it beats in a different business model, which is worth less especially for classical artists.
Our classical music friends rather trust this team:
We have been working on this for months and are fully ready to release it immediately.
Well, I think that validates my guess/assumption. If you have been working on Spotify Connect Hi-Fi for months, how many others with WAY more users are behind on this (e.g. auto manufacturers, non-audiophile consumer endpoints).
Ich habe früher in der Zulieferindustrie der Autobranche gearbeitet und kenne das Problem der langen Entwicklungszyklen aus eigener beruflicher Erfahrung, wenn das nicht schon vor vielen Jahren angelaufen ist, wird das auch für 2022 nicht mehr gelingen.
Da Spotify gerade seine Car-Lösung Car View zurückgezogen hat, ist sicher Ersatz in Arbeit, die nicht zu Weihnachten marktreif war:
Car Thing, really? What a useless idea, given Carplay and Android Auto. What’s the point? An object to fasten you your ventilation grille?! Takes me back to the days of cheap GPS devices when many cars didn’t have integrated GPS. Now we have integrated inductive charging pads for phones, and Spotify want us to stick an ugly device to the dashboard. Quite frankly, if that’s the kind of thing that Spotify prioritise, no wonder they are behind on their lossless promise. But what do I know … maybe the Car Thing will be a great success. Go figure.
