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Microsoft has unveiled a music streaming service which is being looked at as a serious competitor to rival music streaming services and even Apple's iTunes in how they have bundled various services into one package.
The "Xbox Music" service combines the ability to stream a radio-like service to Windows based devices, either as a premium paid-for service, or ad-funded free service, but also offers the ability to buy and keep music tracks.
It has been described as offering Spotify-like music streaming, Pandora-like radio, and iTunes-like purchases.
With more than 30 million songs in the global catalogue, Xbox Music begins rolling out around the world on Xbox 360 and later this month on Windows 8 and Windows RT PCs and tablets and on mobile phones, starting with Windows Phone 8 at launch and additional platforms later.
Available in the coming year, the company will also allow users to upload their own pre-purchased music to a cloud-based storage facility and make it available on their mobile devices.
Free streaming on Windows 8 and Windows RT tablets and PCs launches Oct. 26 in 15 markets worldwide. Xbox Music Store will also be accessible on Windows 8, Windows RT and Windows Phone 8 in 22 markets worldwide as devices become available.
However, the free music streaming service will become a limited service after six months unless the customer upgrades to the premium service - which will cost $9.99 in the USA, and prices to be confirmed elsewhere.
Microsoft Launches its Own Mobile Music Streaming Service
The "Xbox Music" service combines the ability to stream a radio-like service to Windows based devices, either as a premium paid-for service, or ad-funded free service, but also offers the ability to buy and keep music tracks.
It has been described as offering Spotify-like music streaming, Pandora-like radio, and iTunes-like purchases.
With more than 30 million songs in the global catalogue, Xbox Music begins rolling out around the world on Xbox 360 and later this month on Windows 8 and Windows RT PCs and tablets and on mobile phones, starting with Windows Phone 8 at launch and additional platforms later.
Available in the coming year, the company will also allow users to upload their own pre-purchased music to a cloud-based storage facility and make it available on their mobile devices.
Free streaming on Windows 8 and Windows RT tablets and PCs launches Oct. 26 in 15 markets worldwide. Xbox Music Store will also be accessible on Windows 8, Windows RT and Windows Phone 8 in 22 markets worldwide as devices become available.
However, the free music streaming service will become a limited service after six months unless the customer upgrades to the premium service - which will cost $9.99 in the USA, and prices to be confirmed elsewhere.
Microsoft Launches its Own Mobile Music Streaming Service