Line Buys MixRadio

In a surprising announcement, for many of us, Microsoft shared that MixRadio, former Nokia Music, will be a part of Line going forward. It’s a surprise for many, but its a missed opportunity for Microsoft as they could not evolve Xbox Music along the lines of MixRadio which has more features, more popularity, a service that actually works and even a better app that Xbox Music which is just for US.

Microsoft had already decided to spin-off MixRadio after the acquisition of Nokia’s Mobile Division, but it wasn’t really complete, and many of us still had hope that Microsoft had a chance to get into countries where Xbox Music will never see light of the day.  Microsoft already has Xbox Music as one of their streaming service and it never made sense for both of these services to stay together.

While I do understand that both the companies might have different contracts, different way to do things, but I am sure it was a huge opportunity as well. You might not agree with me, but it’s definitely an opportunity missed. MixRadio could have been used as an alternate to Xbox Music Service in countries where it’s not available. Xbox Music already doesn’t have any license for countries where it has no presence while MixRadio is available across 60 countries.

That said, lets come to the interesting part–Line–a growing messenger service which not many of us uses, but is said to be one of the innovative companies, with idea of mobile first everywhere.  While we do not know what Line plans for MixRadio, one thing is sure that MixRadio will remain Lumia exclusive and the team stays where it is. It was part of agreement when it was spin-off first.

My best wishes to MixRadio team, and we hope they stay with us for ever and keep growing!!

Via Lumia Conversation | Thanks Dean