Leaks: Beats buyout of MOG for full music, gear store
updated 05:05 pm EDT, Wed March 21, 2012
Beats would take MOG as part of own strategy
Beats Audio's rumored acquisition of MOG could be less about HTC and more about its own brand. Leaks have it planning to open a full web music store, CNET had heard, but it would also sell headphones and "numerous other products." While the deal wouldn't be wrapped, MOG would serve as a quick route to getting a service up and running.
None of the involved parties had commented as of Wednesday.
What if any involvement HTC might have wasn't clear. HTC had denied involvement, although it's suspected that HTC is waiting on what Beats will do before possibly moving in. With a significant stake in Beats, HTC may have first access to any music store Beats makes, even if it ends up supporting other Android supporters or even a competitor like Apple's iPhone.
Beats' incentive would be to seize on the current aura around its brand name, the contacts said. While dismissed by some audiophiles, Beats has developed a reputation for portable audio and would have a way to sell its headphones and other gear directly, instead of going through third parties like Apple and Best Buy.
