Spotify’s Long-Awaited Lossless Audio Streaming Reportedly Draws Closer

Highlights

• Spotify teases Enhanced Listening as a potential lossless audio service.
• Leaks suggest downloadable tracks in high-quality 24-bit FLAC format.
• Enhanced Listening may offer streaming at rates up to 2117 kbps.
• Spotify Connect integration could allow wireless high-bitrate streaming.

Rumours of Spotify introducing a more realistic music streaming service have been floating around for quite some time now.

For 2021, the company teased plans for a lossless audio service called ‘Spotify Hi-Fi’ that promised CD-like sound.

While the initial timeline has come and gone, recent leaks suggest that this flagship offering may be close to finally being released.

Spotify Getting Enhanced Listening

According to Reddit user OhltsTom, it looks like Spotify is experimenting with ‘Enhanced Listening’ – which could be the ultimate branding for its lossless streaming service.

Screenshots of the desktop app update reveal tantalizing details about how this improved audio experience could work.

For starters, leaks suggest that users will have the ability to download lossless tracks in ‘highest quality’ for offline playback.

Even more impressively, some music can go to 24-bit FLAC – an audiophile-grade codec that delivers exceptional detail and clarity.

Screenshots also show the impressive vitrates on offer, with one example showing 2117 kbps streaming.

To put it in perspective, this equates to about 15.9MB of data used per minute of music. A significant step up from Spotify’s current 320kbps cap.

New High Bitrate Modes

Importantly, the ‘Enhanced Listening’ mode doesn’t seem to be limited to cables. The leak points to ‘Spotify Connect’ functionality, which means that the cards used for compatible home audio systems will be able to access wireless streaming for free.

While official consumer forecasts have yet to be confirmed, several leaks have rekindled hope.

Some Reddit users suggest a high-profile reveal at the HIGH END Munich 2024 audio show could be on the cards.

For audiophiles and music lovers, Spotify finally opening up lossless streaming will be a huge improvement. While pricing and availability are still unknown, these leaks give a glimpse of what could soon be true for the streaming giant.

FAQs

What is Spotify Enhanced Listening?

Spotify Enhanced Listening is rumored to be the new branding for Spotify’s long-awaited lossless audio service. This service is expected to offer users the ability to stream and download music in lossless quality, providing an audio experience with clarity and detail akin to CD-quality sound.

What new features can we expect with Spotify Enhanced Listening?

According to recent leaks, Spotify Enhanced Listening will allow users to download tracks in the highest available quality, including 24-bit FLAC, which is considered audiophile-grade. It’s also suggested that streaming rates could reach as high as 2117 kbps, vastly surpassing the current maximum of 320kbps offered by Spotify.

How will Spotify Enhanced Listening improve the user experience?

Spotify Enhanced Listening aims to cater to audiophiles and music enthusiasts by offering superior sound quality. The ability to listen to tracks in lossless format means that users can enjoy music with more depth, nuance, and a richer audio landscape, enhancing the overall listening experience.

What is Spotify Connect and how does it relate to Enhanced Listening?

Spotify Connect allows users to stream music through compatible home audio systems wirelessly. With Enhanced Listening, this functionality is expected to be expanded to support lossless audio streaming, providing users with high-fidelity sound on their high-end audio equipment without the need for cables.

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