Microsoft has revealed its Xbox and Windows-based music service, offering 30 million tracks to gamers and web users.
The new service replaces its Zune business on PCs and Xbox, and aims to challenge the likes of iTunes an Spotify in the online music market.
The service will not be available on Windows Phone 7 or Windows 7, though users will be able to keep using Zune Music.
Xbox Music will arrive on Xbox 360 on Tuesday before launching on Windows 8 and Windows RT devices later this month when Microsoft’s new operating system is released.
“The launch of Xbox Music is a milestone in simplifying digital music on every type of device and on a global scale,” Don Mattrick, president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, said in a statement. “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 — your tablet, PC, phone and TV.”
Free streaming will be available on Windows 8 and Windows RT machines, while Xbox and Windows Phone users can purchase an Xbox Music Pass for $9.99. The store will also offer a la carte music purchases, which should keep things interesting for Apple and iTunes. Additional features include Smart DJ, Cloud Storage and social music.
