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Xbox Music to launch Oct. 26, report says

The software giant will offer the service with a subscription option or free with ads, according to the Verge.

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Shara Tibken was a managing editor at CNET News, overseeing a team covering tech policy, EU tech, mobile and the digital divide. She previously covered mobile as a senior reporter at CNET and also wrote for Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal. Shara is a native Midwesterner who still prefers "pop" over "soda."
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Microsoft shows off Xbox Music at E3. James Martin/CNET

Microsoft is going to be pretty busy on October 26.

Along with the release of its latest Windows operating system, the software giant is also planning to launch its new game console music service, Xbox Music, that day, according to the Verge.

The site reports that Xbox Music will include a subscription offering and a free streaming service supported by ads. It will be available on Windows-powered phones, tablets, PCs, and the Xbox 360.

Microsoft announced the service in June, revamping its Zune Music service to better compete against Apple's iTunes, Pandora, and Spotify. The company, like rival Sony, has been trying to turn its game console into the entertainment hub of the home.

Microsoft told us they're not commenting on speculation about Xbox Music, but a spokesperson gave us the following statement:

"What we can say is we're excited for Xbox Music as our definitive music service. 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. We'll let you know when we have more information to share."

Updated at 9:50 a.m. PT with comment from Microsoft.