Line announces acquisition of MixRadio

Line, the Japanese messaging app, isn’t wasting any time moving forward with its plans for a new music service. Shortly after announcing its plans to launch Line Music, the company has agreed to acquire MixRadio from Microsoft. According to the announcement from Line, MixRadio will continue working with Microsoft on a third-party music platform for Lumia smartphones. The team will join Line and will retain its offices in the UK.

MixRadio was originally a Nokia creation. Microsoft said it planned to spin off MixRadio into an independent entity following its purchase of Nokia in April. Our RAIN review of the service found MixRadio to be a lean-back listening platform with an attractice interface and solid catalog, but few features that would help it stand out from other competitors in the open market. MixRadio is a mature, attractive listening platform that seems perfect for Line’s music ambitions.