Amazon "in talks" to launch music streaming service
Amazon is chatting to major record labels about launching its own music streaming service, according to sources.
We've heard whispers of Amazon launching a Spotify-style music streaming service before, but this is the closest yet we've had to confirmation. Music industry sources have told Re/code that the retail giant is in talks with record labels to bring choons to its own streaming service.
The service could arrive as soon as this year, to go alongside Amazon's recently launched Prime Instant Video. But Amazon is 'doing an Apple' and asking the labels for a discount price -- the diva -- so the talks could go on a while.
I've asked Amazon for comment and will update this story if I hear back.
The talks have been going on for the past few months, according to the sources. Amazon has also hired a number of people lately whose CVs are filled with experience of digital music services.
Amazon is likely to pile the music streaming service into its Prime offering, alongside Prime Instant Video. Whether that means the price of Prime will go up yet again, we'll have to wait and see. Amazon hiked the annual price of Prime up to £79 this week -- that's £30 higher than the previous £49 price tag. If you want Prime, you can't opt out of Prime Instant Video, so you can't pay less just for the quicker delivery on its own. This has angered many who have said they won't be renewing their Prime membership.
Until your Prime needs renewing, you can enjoy Prime Instant Video for free. But when it's time for renewal, you'll have to pay the £30 extra or cancel it altogether.
Amazon told Wall Street earlier this year that it could raise the price of Prime to $119 a year. So I wouldn't put another price rise beyond it.
Would you use a music streaming service from Amazon? Would you be annoyed if it raised the price of Prime again? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook page.