Looking for Android differentiation, HTC may launch a streaming music service

Taiwanese phone manufacturer HTC is reportedly working on its own music streaming service, a move that would help the company differentiate its Android phones and tablets from its considerable competition.

HTC used to be one of the leading makers of Android phones, but now the company has taken a veritable back seat compared to Samsung and Motorola. The company has been struggling financially as well, with a significant drop in profit reported in its last quarterly earnings. The company said Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Android phones especially were responsible for the diminished interest in its handsets.

But perhaps a streaming service, alongside new powerful devices, could help rejuvenate some its lost mojo. The rumor that it is working on a streaming service, which was first reported by GigaOM, does line up with some of HTC’s other recent announcements. Back in September, the company made a $300 million investment into Beats Electronics, with the intent of improving sound technology on mobile devices.

On top of that, HTC’s latest flagship smartphone is the Rezound, which has Beats Audio and an advertising campaign focused on listening to music on the phone. HTC’s Sensation XL phone also features Beats integration, and I’m sure we will see further phones and tablets with a high level of sound quality.

The streaming service, per GigaOM, would be the default music client on HTC’s phones and tablets. The company is still reportedly working on plans and pricing, but we would expect such a service to line up competitively with the likes of Spotify, MOG, Rdio, and Rhapsody.

Do you think a streaming service would help give HTC an edge as it tries to win back customers from Samsung, Motorola, and Apple?

HTC You screenshot: YouTube/HTC

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