As reported on SolidSmack back in February, music streaming service Spotify is getting into the hardware game—as evidenced by three job postings for hardware engineers or supply chain managers.
“Spotify is on its way to creating its first physical products and setting up an operational organization for manufacturing, supply chain, sales & marketing,” explained the job posting for Operations Manager – Hardware Product. “We are looking for a passionate and seasoned Operations Manager that will contribute to the creation of innovative Spotify experiences via connected hardware.”
While some SolidSmack readers suggested that the company remain focused on making a better digital product rather than focusing on hardware to add to our existing plethora of devices, The Verge suggests that the company may, in fact, be unveiling a standalone audio player at a press event on April 24th.
According to The Verge writer Chris Welch, back in February, several Spotify customers reported seeing an offer inside their Spotify app for a hardware device as a part of a new subscription. The minimalist circular device featured subtle buttons, and a green LED light.
Could there be a potential market for a standalone audio player? For those looking to simplify and escape from the “information overload” that comes naturally on our existing devices, a smart and low-cost standalone player just might make sense. Either way, we’ll have to wait until April 24th to find out.
