Calling all of you audiophiles out there, Apple is going to take their music streaming to the next level. In attempt to separate itself from other rival streaming services, Apple music is giving it’s listeners a gift in the new year. According to Motherboard.com, in 2016, the popular streaming service is going to offer a format of up to 96kHz/24-bit music. That is well beyond the 44.1kHz/16-bit, used for CD quality music.
This is not the first time that Apple has tried their hand at Hi definition music. In 2004, they released a lossless version of audio files that was high definition, but only half the size. Unfortunately, the files are not sold on Itunes any longer, so if you want to rip CDs in to this format, it requires a bit of searching in to the iTunes settings.
There are several good points in regards to music streaming. For one, it does not require the massive amounts of storage having an mp3 library could take up. Additionally, streaming music is it does not count against your data cap on your mobile device, so the only downside to music streaming is the monthly cost. Of course, that is a small amount compared to the amount of music you may can play whenever you have the desire. The question is, Will the FCC let this sort of deal continue, with more data actually being used in Hi definition music?
One thing is for sure, Apple has been a real trendsetter, and moves like this will definitely set it apart from it’s competition. Many have wondered though, if the ear is sensitive to tell the difference? Just like in video, because the eyes can’t interpret data fast enough, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between 40 frames per second, and 60. Will the “Hi-Def” music make a difference? That question will continue to be debated
