Global music streaming service Spotify has started rumours flying that it is to move into manufacturing and distribution after posting a series of job listings.
In the last few days, advertisements were placed looking for a Project Manager, a Senior Project Manager and an Operations Manager in hardware production. The successful applicant for the latter post would, according to the ad, need to “define and manage distribution, supply, logistics, fulfilment and customer service for hardware products”.
The Swedish company, which has over 70 million subscribers to its music streaming service, does not currently manufacture or sell any physical products and so has not previously created any supply chain jobs. In April last year, Spotify advertised for a Senior Project Manager in hardware to lead an initiative delivering “a category-defining product akin to Pebble Watch, Amazon Echo, and Snap Spectacles”.
Speculation at the time suggested that Spotify was working on a voice-controlled, internet-connected wearable music provider or smart speaker system. Spotify allows subscribers to stream music via speakers, TVs, computers and other hardware created by third-party suppliers.
Any move into the hardware supply chain by Spotify would further position the streaming provider as a standalone brand. Streaming is fast becoming the preferred platform for listening to music domestically, with CD sales declining and many home computers no longer including a CD drive in their current models.
The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) is also predicted to increase the popularity of streaming in tandem with the use of connected and AI-enabled speaker devices. Voice-controlled music streaming systems that incorporate intuitive volume control and channel selection, along with the ability to switch music between different rooms of the house as needed, are expected to become standard home entertainment features in the near future.
Spotify has so far declined to comment on the implication of the adverts.
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