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Xbox and Windows platform holder Microsoft is to have another stab at competing with iTunes and Spotify in the digital music market.
Tomorrow the firm will launch a new music service, Xbox Music.
The big hook for Xbox Music is that is being specifically designed to work across many devices, allowing consumers to continue their experience whether they are using consoles, smartphones, tablets or a PC.
It launches tomorrow (Tuesday October 16th) on console and will later arrive on PC, tablets and smartphones later this month. It was first unveiled at E3 in June.
In Microsoft’s words, Xbox Music is the first all-in-one music service that gives you the freedom to stream custom-created playlists for free, subscribe to all the music you want or download-to-own your favourite songs”.
Streaming will be free on Windows 8 although after six months there will be limits placed on all those who do not enter into a paid subscription.
Users wanting the full service on Xbox will need to cough up for a $9.99 per month (UK price TBC) Xbox Music Pass. The Xbox Music Store, which is designed for ease of use on Windows 8 devices, will be open to all.
Cloud functionality such as Scan & Match will be introduced later this year.
The launch of Xbox Music is a milestone in simplifying digital music on every type of device and on a global scale,” president of the Interactive Entertainment Business Don Mattrick stated.
We’re breaking down the walls that fracture your music experiences today to ensure that music is better and integrated across the screens that you care about most — your tablet, PC, phone and TV.”
