Dolphin (NASDAQ:DLPN) has congratulated Shore Fire Media client Qobuz after the independently owned music streaming and download platform was selected for TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026 list. Qobuz was included in the Entertainment & Gaming category, as part of a selection recognising 300 inventions.
#Qobuz’s position in digital music
Qobuz combines high-resolution audio with recommendations curated by people, music journalism produced in-house and exclusive releases. The platform presents its service as a digital equivalent of the discovery experience associated with an independent record store, while placing artists and their work at the centre of listening.
TIME also noted that Qobuz operates without advertisements, uses human-curated playlists and says it pays higher royalties per stream than competing services.
#Features and platform initiatives
Dolphin said Qobuz’s recent product work has included a redesigned player with synchronised lyrics, broader access to recording credits and editorial material, and an AI Charter. The service has also introduced tags intended to identify music generated by artificial intelligence.
The company is continuing to expand Qobuz Connect, a feature that allows users to stream from Qobuz applications to compatible audio playback equipment.
Dolphin described 2026 as a breakthrough year for Qobuz following unprecedented subscriber growth that began the previous year. The announcement did not provide a subscriber figure or growth percentage.
#Artist and independent music projects
Recent Qobuz projects cited by Dolphin include an exclusive stream of yasiin bey’s “The Ecstatic”, a collaboration with Sylvan Esso involving listening events around the world and an exclusive live release, and the restoration and publication of 77 performances from Alan Lomax’s “American Patchwork” recordings.
Qobuz has also worked with Rough Trade, KCRW and the Newport Festivals Foundation on initiatives linked to independent music culture both online and at live events.
Separately, Qobuz received the Independent Champion Award at the 2026 Libera Awards. The American Association of Independent Music presented the award for the platform’s support of independent artists and labels.
#Dolphin and Shore Fire Media
Dolphin describes itself as a venture studio and marketing consortium. Its venture activities include developing and investing in content, products and experiences, while its marketing group brings together agencies including Shore Fire Media, 42West, The Door, Elle Communications, Special Projects and The Digital Dept.
Shore Fire Media is the Dolphin subsidiary representing Qobuz in the announcement dated November 3, 2026. Dolphin’s shares trade on NASDAQ under the ticker DLPN.
#Key Takeaways
- Qobuz was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026 in the Entertainment & Gaming category.
- The TIME list recognises 300 inventions.
- Dolphin identified Qobuz as a Shore Fire Media client and highlighted its audio, editorial and artist-focused features.
- Qobuz has introduced AI-related labelling, expanded Qobuz Connect and updated its player.
- Qobuz also received the Independent Champion Award at the 2026 Libera Awards.
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