Shore Fire Media Inc.
10/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/15/2026 11:27
Qobuz Named One of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026
Independent music streaming and download platform recognized in Entertainment & Gaming category
October 15, 2026 - Qobuz , the independently owned high-quality music streaming and download platform, has been named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 in the Entertainment & Gaming category. This year's list recognizes 300 groundbreaking inventions making the world better, smarter and more fun. =
Qobuz brings the expertise and discovery of an independent record store to digital listening, combining high-resolution sound with human-curated recommendations, original music journalism and exclusive releases. Its approach puts artists and their work at the center of the experience, giving listeners more ways to explore the music they love.
In 2026, Qobuz experienced a breakthrough year on the heels of unprecedented subscriber growth beginning the previous year. The platform has continued to lead the industry in sound quality, music discovery, and transparency through new features and initiatives that bring listeners closer to the music and the people who make it. Highlights include a redesigned player with synchronized lyrics and expanded access to recording credits and editorial content, an AI Charter and new tags identifying AI-generated music, and continued expansion of Qobuz Connect, which lets listeners stream directly to compatible audio playback equipment from the Qobuz apps.
That same commitment extends to its work with artists and the wider music community. Recent highlights include exclusive streaming of yasiin bey's The Ecstatic, a partnership with Sylvan Esso spanning global listening events and an exclusive live release, and the restoration and release of 77 performances from Alan Lomax's American Patchwork recordings. Partnerships with Rough Trade, KCRW and the Newport Festivals Foundation further connect Qobuz listeners with independent music culture, on the platform and in person.
Read TIME's full Best Inventions of 2026 list HERE and watch this space for more to come from Qobuz and their "Newfound cool-kid status."
"On Qobuz, there are no ads, playlists are curated by humans, and the streamer confirms it pays higher royalties per stream than its competitors." - TIME
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About Qobuz Founded in 2007 and a pioneer of high-quality sound, Qobuz is the French music streaming and download platform for those who want to live and share their passion for music. Available in 26 countries across Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, and Japan, Qobuz is aimed at all those seeking an authentic and fulfilling musical experience. With more than 100 million tracks in lossless quality - CD, Hi-Res (24-bit/up to 192 kHz), DXD, and DSD - Qobuz offers the richest Hi-Res catalog on the market, recognized by the world's leading hi-fi brands. It stands out for its commitment to preserving original recordings, in addition to its human touch with unique editorial content, expertly curated playlists, liner notes, and more. In March 2025, Qobuz became the first streaming platform to have its average payout rate per stream officially validated by an independent audit, confirming a rate of US$0.01873 - officially the highest in the industry. The platform peaked at #4 on the iOS App Store in 2025 and more than doubled its new user base. Qobuz is licensed for Hi-Res audio by the Japan Audio Society (JAS). For more information, visit qobuz.com |
For more information on Qobuz, contact Patrick Nitti at Shore Fire Media
Shore Fire Media Inc. published this content on October 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 15, 2026 at 17:27 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]