Pono Music has suspended operations of its online store due to content provider changes. The specialty hi-res music platform had been using Omnifone as its exclusive content provider. However, after being placed into administration in May, Omnifone’s assets were acquired by an unknown buyer last week and its contracts have been suspended. Pono is shutting down its store beginning July 20 while it finishes transitioning the work over to new partner 7digital. The shut down is only temporary, but Pono did not give an expected date for business to resume.
The note on Pono’s website said Omnifone was bought by “a large company,” which led to speculation that Apple was the one making the purchase. That rumor has since been quashed, meaning speculation will likely continue about where Omnifone’s assets will surface.