Streaming, one of the most recent gifts from the Internet to mankind, is becoming the most popular use for the medium. While streaming today has become a means of viewing the latest blockbusters, we are beginning to explore the infinite possibilities of this technology.
In 2007, the now popular streaming service Netflix introduced streaming as a part of the experience. Since 2007, the field has become a bit saturated; streaming services like Hulu, Amazon Instant Video and even YouTube have tapped into the market. The new players in the world of content streaming have opened eyes as to what consumers are attracted to and what they will ultimately purchase.
Experiments with content in the streaming industry have been ever evolving, since the genesis of Rhapsody, music buffs have had their taste buds wet with anticipation of what the next leap would be. Most music enthusiasts know now that a digital market is the most likely all scenarios for media entirely.
Jay-Z, multi-platinum selling recording artist, has shown interest in joining the music streaming industry and seems eager to venture into the market. The mogul made a $56.2 million dollar bid on Aspiro through an entity named Project Panther Bidco, a subsidiary of S. Carter Enterprises. Aspiro, is a Swedish music streaming company which could potential carry content for both visuals and audio.
Aspiro services a whopping half million subscribers, compared to the streaming juggernaut Spotify that services 15 million subscribers.
A statement published by the Hollywood Reporter from the entity known as “Pather,” mentions the growing spotlight on media streaming:
Project Panther Bidco, Ltd (“Panther”), an entity controlled by S. Carter Enterprises, LLC (“SCE”) is pursuing a possible acquisition of Aspiro AB (“Aspiro”), based in Sweden. Aspiro is a media technology company in the forefront of the ongoing redefinition of music consumption. Through the subscription services WiMP and TIDAL, Aspiro offers a complete experience of higher HiFi quality. The platform encompasses audio, video and integrated editorial features.
Panther believes that the recent developments in the entertainment industry, with the migration to media streaming, offers great potential for increased entertainment consumption and an opportunity for artists to further promote their music. Panther’s strategic ambition revolves around global expansion and up-scaling of Aspiro’s platform, technology and services.
The acquisition is subject to shareholder approval. As such there is no guaranty that a transaction will take place.
Jay-Z is not the only name getting into the industry while the getting is increasing; a year ago Apple purchased Beats by Dre, which along with manufacturing its own headphone line, also has its own streaming service. The Apple and Beats by Dre combination serves as an interesting prospect in this new field of audio streaming.
On one hand Apple already has iTunes, a leader in digital music and somewhat of a forefather to the streaming projects available today. On the other hand, Apple is now in control of a world-class audio manufacturer, which could indicate an objective to ensure a quality to sound. These components together make Apple a brand that can innovate as well as its competitors.
Apple hopes to eventually outlast the companies currently in the market, names like Pandora, Spotify and SoundCloud, just to name a few.
Gingerly moving into the future, we can already see ourselves transforming into digital bodies with the emergence of social networking, and now with media streaming.
