Hi-Res Mainstreaming Rests on ‘Strong Potential’ for Upgrades, Says Futuresource

The introduction of Amazon Music HD last week (see 1909180028) typifies recent hardware and streaming developments that could be “stepping-stones towards mainstream adoption” of hi-res audio, blogged Futuresource Consulting on Friday. The growth of wireless speakers, “notably driven by Amazon,” is another potential market invigorator, it said. The components required to “fully benefit” from hi-res audio “have been significantly simplified, now incorporating all the required audio components into a single device,” said Futuresource. Spotify and Apple Music “could also follow Amazon’s move into high-quality streaming,” though Spotify has “consistently rejected the idea,” it said. Apple “could benefit from the synergy of its in-house cloud storage service to have lower hosting and delivery cost,” it said. Futuresource canvassed smart-speaker owners in 2019's first half, and half said they want products “with better sound quality than they currently own, indicating the strong potential for upsell and upgrades,” it said.