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Get ready for a significant overhaul in the features and functions of leading music streaming service, Tidal. This impending modification will take effect in the following month, kicking off a departure from the conventional music streams with the removal of two principal formats – Sony's 360 Reality Audio and MQA.
If you're an ardent user of Tidal who's all about high-quality music streaming, brace yourself for the introduction of FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) music versions. This Tidal FLAC update signifies a goodbye to MQA and Sony's 360 Reality Audio from Tidal's extensive catalogue. Learn more about how this transformation will influence your collection here.
This decision to zero in on FLAC is in line with the trend of streamlining streaming services for improved user experiences. Given that a considerable FLAC update was released last year, the withdrawal of MQA support was predictable. In the light of these changes, it becomes unfeasible for Tidal to be a licensee of AIRIA, the successor to MQA.
Meanwhile, terminating Sony 360 Reality Audio's support came out of the blue, as it clues towards no future transformations in Tidal's audio format offerings. So why this switch?
Understanding Tidal's Shift from Sony Spatial Audio
It appears Tidal has its heart set on Dolby Atmos. The focus has shifted to Atmos due to the increasing number of compatible gadgets, the availability of content, and its growing acceptance among artists.
The Tidal FLAC update reflects the service's commitment to providing the best audio experience for its users. FLAC offers lossless audio compression, ensuring that users can enjoy high-fidelity sound without any loss in quality. This is particularly important for audiophiles who demand the best possible audio experience. Devices like the Astell&Kern A&norma SR25 are perfect for experiencing FLAC audio quality.
Impact on Your Music Library
Wondering what this means for your library? Here's the rundown: if your collection includes MQA tracks, Tidal will automatically swap them with FLAC versions starting 24 July. However, although there are nearly all FLAC versions available for most MQA tracks, in 16-bit, 44.1 kbps, not all songs will be replaced instantly or may not be high-res initially.
On the same date, Tidal will grey out 360 Reality Audio tracks in your downloads and playlists, making them unavailable for streaming. The withdrawal of 360 Reality Audio support is a setback for its enthusiasts, particularly those using Sony's efficiently performing earbuds such as Sony WF-1000XM4. It's a greater loss for Sony; although the format is still backed by Deezer, Amazon Music, and Live Concert streamer nugs.net, it’s a significant loss for 360 Reality Audio.
For those heavily invested in MQA and 360 Reality Audio, this Tidal FLAC update may come as a surprise. However, the switch to FLAC ensures that users continue to have access to high-quality, lossless audio, albeit in a different format.
Future of Tidal's Audio Format Offerings
Spotify is no competition here, since it doesn't offer 360 Reality Audio and isn't likely to in its upcoming Spotify Hi-Fi. On the contrary, Apple has already embraced the Atmos trend. In the wake of these transformations, Tidal remains one of the few music platforms that has lowered its prices back in March 2024. Therefore, if you desire to experiment with a fresh music streaming subscription, Tidal could be worth a shot.
With the Tidal FLAC update, users can expect continuous improvements in audio quality and streaming experience. Tidal's commitment to adopting the latest technologies and trends ensures that it remains a competitive player in the music streaming industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tidal FLAC update marks a significant shift in the platform's approach to high-quality audio streaming. By focusing on FLAC and Dolby Atmos, Tidal aims to provide an unparalleled listening experience for its users. While the removal of MQA and Sony's 360 Reality Audio may disappoint some, the benefits of FLAC's lossless quality and the growing popularity of Dolby Atmos make this a positive change overall.
If you're considering a new music streaming service, now might be the perfect time to give Tidal a try, especially with its competitive pricing and commitment to high-fidelity audio.
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