CHANDLER, Ariz., July 9, 2014 [NASDAQ:  MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced a new release of Spotify® Connect in the standard Microchip JukeBlox® Platform.  This release extends support to more than 8 million audio products based on Microchip’s network audio processors and includes a number of key improvements on the initial release.  Audio brands can easily add Spotify Connect to existing products through firmware upgrades and new designs based on all of Microchip’s CX870 Wi-Fi® modules and DM860 Ethernet processor.  To speed product and firmware availability to consumers, Microchip’s APT Lab is the first to offer pre-certification services to Microchip customers using Spotify Connect.   

Spotify Connect does not require the mobile device to continuously stream content to a wireless speaker or AV receiver.  The key benefit of Spotify Connect is that once a track has been selected, the audio stream is delivered directly from Spotify’s servers to the wireless speaker using the local network.  This frees the mobile device for use during music playback which greatly reduces battery depletion and allows the mobile device to move anywhere in the network without interrupting music playback.  Audio devices powered by Microchip’s JukeBlox platform, such as wireless speakers, AV receivers, Internet radios, home theater systems, wireless speakers and portable music player docking stations, will be part of the Spotify Connect experience. 

Spotify Connect is an award-winning digital music service that provides on-demand access to more than 20 million tracks.  Spotify makes it easier than ever to discover, manage and share music.  Spotify Premium users can control and play their music through their phone, tablet and audio devices simply and effortlessly, at the touch of a button.  Spotify Connect is available in 28 markets including USA, UK, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, France, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, The Netherlands, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Luxembourg, Italy, Portugal, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Iceland and Mexico, with more than 24 million active users, and over 6 million paying subscribers.

“We are very pleased to be working with Spotify and adding a leading music streaming service,” said Sumit Mitra, vice president of Microchip’s Wireless Products Group.  “Microchip’s latest JukeBlox platform release allows audio brands to add Spotify Connect into previously sold audio products with just a firmware upgrade or to new designs based on the DM8XX family of Wi-Fi and Ethernet processors.”

“Spotify is committed to delivering the industry’s best home listening experience with Spotify Connect.  Partnering with Microchip, one of the leading providers in the industry, allows us to grow our base of partners even further,” said Sten Garmark, vice president of Spotify’s Platforms.  “We’re especially pleased to be able to deliver Connect to devices that are already in consumer’s homes using firmware upgrades.”