Launched in 1999, Napster became one of the most popular audio file sharing services, primarily for music protected by copyright. Created by Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker - who later became the first president of Facebook, the platform allowed users to download music via a "peer to peer" network without needing to host it.
The outcome is well-known: facing attacks from the music industry, it ultimately shut down in 2001, not without inspiring others like Kazaa and Emule. Although the piracy platform has closed, the brand was acquired by retail giant Best Buy, which later sold it to Rhapsody, an online store managed by RealNetworks, known for the old RealPlayer. The latest twist: its resale to Algorand, a company specialized in blockchain.
More than 25 years after its creation, Napster has found another buyer: Infinite Reality, as announced by CNBC. This company, led by John Acunto, aims to be at the forefront of technological innovations by offering spatial audio experiences. With Napster, purchased for 207 million dollars, Infinite Reality intends to create 3D virtual venues where music fans can experience concerts as if they were truly there, while also offering merchandising in the form of NFTs or physical items. However, it should be noted that Napster had already transitioned to a music streaming platform, similar to Spotify and Apple Music. With Infinite Reality, the goal is to add another dimension to its offerings. The company is valued at over 12 billion dollars.
