Japanese mobile messaging service LINE has acquired Microsoft’s MixRadio music streaming service for an undisclosed amount. Microsoft had inherited MixRadio as part of its Nokia devices and services business acquisition, earlier this year. The terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but it’s expected to be completed by early 2015. In July this year, it was reported that MixRadio is set to be spun-off into an independent company, after Microsoft announced plans to cut 18,000 jobs. At the time, MixRadio head Jyrki Rosenberg had told Music Ally that post the spin-off Microsoft and MixRadio will continue to maintain strong links and the app will continue to be preloaded on Windows Phone smartphones. Last month, a source-based TechCrunch report mentioned that Microsoft is actively seeking investors to spin-off MixRadio into an independent entity, and that a deal could soon be closed. Earlier this month, LINE had also announced the launch of its own subscription-based music streaming service LINE MUSIC, in partnership with record label companies Avex Digital and Sony Music Entertainment. Currently, the company has revealed very little information regarding LINE MUSIC though it did reveal that 480,000,000 JPY (around $4 million) has been earmarked for this service. It seems most likely that LINE MUSIC and MixRadio will remain separate services. While LINE MUSIC will be for the Japanese market, MixRadio will help LINE reach out to markets outside Asia. LINE has about 170 million monthly active users, however 87 million of them are in Japan, Taiwan & Thailand. Also, the MixRadio…
