Sony axes streaming service to partner with Spotify

Sony Network Entertainment International LLC (SNEI) is shuttering its on-demand music-streaming service as part of a global partnership with Spotify.

SNEI’s current Music Unlimited service launched as Qriocity in the UK and Ireland in 2010 before eventually expanding to a total of 19 countries.From March 29 Music Unlimited will close and in its place will be PlayStation Music, with Spotify as the exclusive partner.

Upon launch, PlayStation Music will roll out in 41 countries, including Australia, and allow Playstation users to access and manage their Spotify playlists on the PlayStation 3,PS4and Xperiaconsoles. Users can also link their Spotify and Playstation Network accounts to pay for Spotify through PSN andPS4 owners can use Spotify while playing games.

Music Unlimited users with active subscriptions will receive free access to Music Unlimited until February 28 and onMarch 29, when Playstation Music launches, will be offered an introductory Spotify Premium trial.

Daniel Ek, CEO and founder at Spotify said: “We are incredibly honoured to partner with Sony and PlayStation to give gamers around the world an amazing experience wherever they listen to music,. As a gamer and PlayStation 4 user myself, I’m super excited to be able to soundtrack my FIFA 15 Arsenal matches later this spring.”

Andrew House, president and group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., said: “This partnership represents the best in music and the best in gaming coming together, which will benefit the vibrant and passionate communities of both Spotify and PlayStation Network. We’re thrilled to make Spotify the foundation of our strategy with PlayStation Music.”

Meanwhile, Sony Corp is reportedly planning to cut another 1,000 jobs in its smartphone division. Sources say the cuts, mainly in Europe and China, are in addition to the 1,000 jobs Sony Corp said it would terminate last October in its mobile unit.