High quality audio goes mainstream

CMU’s Andy Malt and Chris Cooke review key events in music and the music business from the last week, including Apple and Amazon's announcements that users of their streaming services will now be able to enjoy some super enhanced audio action via their respective music platforms at no extra cost, plus the UK's competition regulator the Competition & Markets Authority's announcement that it has launched an investigation into the recent acquisition by Sony Music of Kobalt's recordings division. SECTION TIMES 01: High quality audio (00:3:51) 02: Sony Music (00:21:05) (Timings may be slightly different due to adverts) STORIES DISCUSSED THIS WEEK • Apple Music and Amazon Music offering higher quality audio at no extra cost • UK competition regulator to investigate Sony’s AWAL purchase • Sony confirms AWAL acquisition completed, acknowledges regulator investigation in the UK ALSO MENTIONED • Flo Rida arrives in Rotterdam to join San Marino’s Eurovision performance • Iceland withdraw from live Eurovision shows, PRS announces 2020’s most played UK entries • Duncan Laurence will not reprise winning Eurovision performance following positive COVID test • Italy wins Eurovision, UK comes last • Apple's $549 AirPods Max can't play lossless Apple Music - even when plugged in (The Verge) MORE FROM CMU • Book your place on CMU’s weekly webinars • Buy MMF and CMU Insights’ Dissecting The Digital Dollar book on Amazon • Sign up to receive the CMU Daily news bulletin