There’s palpable excitement in the world of mobile audio, and it’s being driven by a new partnership forged between HTC Corporation and Beats Electronics LLC, the headphone maker launched by legendary recording star Dr. Dre and Interscope Geffen A&M Records chairman Jimmy Iovine.
HTC is purchasing a majority stake (51%) in Beats Electronics for $300 million.
The two fast-growing brands will focus on bringing high performance sound to HTC phones, a joint press release proclaims.
“The HTC and Beats by Dr. Dre partnership is an opportunity for two world-class companies to redefine the smart phone industry and define the future,” says Iovine. “For Beats by Dr. Dre, this represents a critical step in our continued mission to clean up the destruction of audio caused by the digital revolution; and reengineer how sound is delivered so that the consumer feels the music the way that the artist intended.”
HTC and Beats have been working together to create “superior mobile audio experiences for consumers,” which will result in a line of HTC devices integrated with Beats sound innovations, available this fall.
Some are saying the partnership could revolutionize mobile audio as we presently know it.
“Beats has found a unique way to harness popular culture in a manner that is unlike any other brand today,” adds Peter Chou, CEO of HTC Corporation. “It’s an exciting brand that has been built around providing something very special, and we believe our strategic partnership will provide customers with unbeatable sound on HTC phones. We obsess over every detail of a consumer’s mobile experience and audio is a critical part of that experience.”