Andre Yoskowitz
4 Oct 2012 20:17
The latest rumor, from sources out of Europe, claim Microsoft is preparing to purchase digital music streaming company Rdio.
So far Microsoft and Rdio declined comment, but the deal would certainly make sense.
Microsoft is currently planning its new music streaming service Xbox Music for the Xbox console, Windows and Windows Phone 8.
Rdio, the ad-free music service is available in the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Brazil, Australia, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and New Zealand, practically every major market Microsoft would be aiming for with its new service.
The popular service is available for Mac, Windows, iOS, Android and Windows Phone and could provide an excellent framework (as well as added customer base) for Microsoft.
Rdio's catalog now has 18 million songs and attracts new musicians by giving them a revenue split for new subscribers they attract. While Rdio is popular now, it is getting blown out of the water by rival Spotify, which has a partnership with Facebook. A purchase by Microsoft would certainly help the company compete.