If you are a music lover, then when it comes to streaming services, you certainly do have a selection to choose from. Of course, Spotify is usually the first company that comes to mind, although if you are wrapped tightly in to the Google ecosystem, then Play Music All Access is probably more your flavor. Likewise, if entrenched in the Amazon platform, then Prime Music is likely your choice. In Europe, Deezer seems to be doing well, while if you prefer Hi-Fi like quality and don’t mind paying a premium for it, then you are probably more of the Tidal persuasion. Of course, there are other options to get your fix. Pandora being one, Rdio being another. Although, going forward it looks like the two will become one soon enough. Pandora has today announced that they are acquiring Rdio in a deal which is said to be worth $75 million. As part of the deal, Pandora are looking to secure all the technology and the talent from Rdio.
For those who currently make use of the Rdio service, it is worth noting that Pandora has made it explicitly clear that they do not plan to take over the operations of Rdio. This is an an acquisition of the staff and the technology only and not the business. In fact, the press announcement from Pandora also makes a note that this deal is highly dependent on the transaction being approved by the Bankruptcy court. As such, the end looks to be here for Rdio. The company will seek protection from the Bankruptcy court and assuming approval, all talent and tech will move to Pandora, while the rest of the Rdio assets will be auctioned off. With the eventual outcome being Rdio ceasing operations in all markets.
In terms of Pandora, the press release details that this is deigned for them to further their own “business strategy” with the company saying that they plan to expand the “Pandora listening experience by late 2016“. Those interested can read the full details of the press release on the acquisition and its effects by heading through the source link below.