7digital launches high-resolution streaming, announces new contract deals

(ShareCast News) - 7digital has announced it's the first provider to offer hi-resolution FLAC audio streaming through Google Cast.The digital music and radio services company announced Monday it has launched the Google Cast integration into its platform, which allows users to play music from a PC or smart device through any Chromecast-connected TV or a Cast-enabled speaker.It was included as part of an upgrade of its own music store and Android app which included a new catalogue of hi-res music and support for Android Auto.7digital revealed there had been over 22m installs of 7digital music apps.The AIM listed company also announced a number of contract wins and partnerships including a phone and music streaming package with ROK Mobile, and a deal with Brazilian start-up OurSound which lets users access playlists linked to a location and choose music they want to hear.It also revealed its partnership with Imagination Technologies to sell its FlowRadio internet radio aggregation service internationally.7digital chief executive Simon Cole said device manufacturers and networks are looking for a company that can build streamed music and radio services for them cost effectively, quickly and efficiently"The implementation of Google Cast keeps us one step ahead in providing a platform from which hardware manufacturers can develop new in-home and in car connected music services."In mobile, ROK's "comes with music" strategy and the deals with Mariposa and OurSound in South America all represent examples of the emerging "Third Age" of digital music where streaming services become an integrated part of product offerings."At 1018 BST, 7digital shares were up 0.12p to 11.5p.