In the competitive world of online music streaming, companies are trying hard to set themselves apart. Google recently acquired Songza and started integrating Songza functionality in Google Play Music, and Apple recently purchased Beats – many hope that means the start of a proper streaming music service from the company (Apple currently has iTunes Radio, but it’s not a full fledged listen to what you want streaming music service). Microsoft however, seems to be taking a step backwards as they’ve quietly announced that the free streaming option on their Xbox Music service will cease on December 1st, 2014.
Xbox Music is available on Windows 8, 8.1, and other devices and allows users to listen to music by paying a monthly Xbox Music Pass, purchasing individual songs, or streaming a limited number of songs a month in an ad-supported interface. It is definitely an interesting move in light of recent acquisitions by other companies wishing to compete for our streaming music dollars. It was mentioned in the FAQ however that:
We are focusing Xbox Music to deliver the ultimate music purchase and subscription service experience for our customers.
The Xbox Music streaming service isn’t going away, users can sign up for a free 30-day trial which rolls over into a paid monthly subscription for $9.99/month. Xbox Music will continue to be available on PC’s, tablets, Xbox, as well as Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices. Any music users purchased will still be available as well, however any playlists, radio stations or collections user created will still exist but be unplayable unless an Xbox Music Pass is purchased.
What do you think of Microsoft’s move in removing the free streaming service from Xbox Music? Let us know in the comments below, or on Goolgle+, Facebook, or Twitter.
[button link=”http://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-on-other-devices/windows/free-xbox-music-streaming-retirement-faq” icon=”fa-external-link” side=”left” target=”blank” color=”285b5e” textcolor=”ffffff”]Source: Xbox Support[/button]Last Updated on November 27, 2018.
