Microsoft Launches Xbox Music Service

Consumers have no shortage of choices when it comes to digital music, and they sometimes wind up juggling devices for different experiences. In an attempt to solve that puzzle, Microsoft is launching Xbox Music, an all-in-one music service available on Xbox 360, Windows 8, Windows RT PCs and tablets, and Windows Phone 8.

“The launch of Xbox Music is a milestone in simplifying digital music on every type of device and on a global scale,” said Don Mattrick, president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “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.”

Users of Microsoft devices will have access to a 30 million song global catalog, from which they will be able to stream curated playlists, subscribe to all music, or download-to-own, integrated across all platforms. The Xbox Music services includes a free on-demand streaming, Xbox Music Pass for ad-free unlimited playback to the tune of $9.99/month, the Xbox Music Store to purchase and keep mp3 files, artist-based streaming radio Smart DJ, cloud storage for music files (including ones purchased outside Xbox), and a new social component.

Xbox Music Pass will be available tomorrow (10/16) on Xbox 360 in 22 markets worldwide; Free streaming will be offered to devices in select markets beginning Oct. 26.