Xbox Music Spotify-rival coming with Windows 8, reports say
Microsoft is trying its hand at a streaming service, tipped to launch on 26 October.
Nobody gets the party jumpin' like Microsoft -- the software giant is reportedly plotting to launch a rumoured Spotify-rivallin' service later this month.
The Xbox Music, streaming service will launch on 26 October the Verge reports, citing "multiple sources". That's the same day that Windows 8 is going to make its debut.
Like Spotify, Xbox Music will involve you shelling out a fee to access a tonne of streaming tunes, or paying no money and being subjected to annoying adverts while you blast out your 'choons.
Microsoft is reportedly also plotting some SkyDrive integration that would see your music stored on its own servers, à la iTunes Match or Google Music. Google's music-hoarding service isn't available in the UK, so there's a question mark over which -- if any -- Xbox Music services would be available to Brits.
The company that bought you Excel is plotting to bring Xbox Music to a whole bunch of platforms apparently, though while iOS and Android apps are supposedly in the works, they won't be available immediately.
An Xbox dashboard update later this month is reckoned to see the console's software prepped for the new service, which is likely to replace Microsoft's Zune music pass service.
Microsoft said it's "not commenting on speculation around Xbox Music features", but promises it'll bring "great new ways to enjoy, share and discover new music on all your Windows 8 devices, Xbox 360 console and Windows Phone 8." So that's something to look forward to.
I think the Xbox 360 is one of the best media machines money can buy, thanks to apps like Netflix and Sky Player, plus catch-up telly from the likes of 4oD and iPlayer. I can't see many people switching on a console just to stream music, but if Microsoft can spread its media offering over loads of different platforms (including Mac and PC), it could have a contender on its hands.
Do you think Microsoft could create a successful music streaming service? How much would you be willing to pay? Tell me in the comments or on our Facebook wall.