Nokia MixRadio 'to become independent from Microsoft'

Android smartphone production will end, while Xbox Entertainment Studios is expected to close and end a move into original video programming – months after announcing a joint venture with Channel 4 called Humans.

But one element that looks as if it will be surviving is Nokia's MixRadio music streaming service – launched in the UK and other countries last November. And it looks as if it'll be going it alone as a standalone company.

MORE: Best music streaming services 2014 – comparison review

In an interview with Music Ally, MixRadio chief Jyrki Rosenberg said the service was "planning a spin-off"; a move that could lead to the development of iOS and Android app versions, in addition to Windows Phones.

That remains to be seen, but Rosenberg added: "I’ve been meeting with potential investors around the world in the last few weeks. We have very strong interest from investors in the US, Europe and Asia, and we remain open for further discussions."

MixRadio is currently pre-installed on Lumia-branded handsets and is billed as a "radio station that always knows the music you want to hear", personalising your listening experiences based on how often you listen.

It launched as a free service, but a premium paid-for model was introduced in January 2013 that offered higher quality audio and the ability to skip tracks as many times as you wanted, among a number of other features.

Despite its plans to spin off from Microsoft, Rosenberg told Music Ally that it would still maintain a business relationship with the tech giant – but we wait with anticipation to see what lies in store for an independent MixRadio.

MORE: Microsoft calls time on Android-powered Nokia devices

Pete was content editor on What Hi-Fi?, overseeing production and publication of digital content. In creating and curating feature articles for web and print consumption, he provided digital and editorial expertise and support to help reposition What Hi-Fi? as a ‘digital-first’ title; reflecting the contemporary media trends. He is now a senior content strategist. 

Latest in Radio
Roberts Rambler Classic in duck egg blue
Roberts' versatile new radio blends retro looks with handy modern tech
Ruark Audio R1S DAB radio
What Hi-Fi? Awards 2024: revitalised radio category has never looked so good
Two Pure Classic Minis, in white and in brown
Pure adds to its Classic range of radios with the versatile, portable Mini
Ruark Audio R1S DAB radio
Best radios 2024
Ruark Audio R1S DAB radio on white shelf next to globe
Ruark Audio R1S
Majority Petersfield Go DAB radio held in hand with garden and wooden table in background
Majority Petersfield Go
Latest in News
iFi Valkyrie in gold with a laptop
iFi's flagship iDSD Valkyrie DAC/amp teases cutting-edge tech for a sound that's worthy of Valhalla
Sony Bravia Projector 8 home cinema projector
Terrible news: Sony is about to stop selling projectors in Europe, including the UK
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier in silver
Audiolab upgrades its five-star 6000A amplifier with a new DAC chip, enhanced circuitry and HDMI ARC
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Quick! This five-star Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar has dropped close to its lowest price
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen