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Microsoft's Xbox Music Service to Include Streaming, Downloads, and Cloud Storage?

Thursday June 28, 2012 12:35 pm PDT by Eric Slivka
Earlier this month, we noted that Microsoft was making a major push into the living room, seeking to use its Xbox hardware as the hub for new streaming video content and a "SmartGlass" app for various platforms that will allow two-way Airplay-like wireless streaming between devices and an Xbox connected to a television.

Bloomberg now reports that Microsoft is also making a substantial push on the music side, talking to labels about launching a hybrid music service that would offer both iTunes-like downloads and Spotify-like streaming content.
The Redmond, Washington-based software maker is in talks with major record companies for the needed rights, and plans to begin service later this year, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions aren’t complete.

By combining the best features of competing services, Microsoft seeks to build a digital product that lets customers consume music any way they like. The maker of the Xbox console is building the new music business after its unsuccessful effort with the Zune service, which will close and move customers to Xbox Music, the company said on its website.

Microsoft's music service will reportedly also include a digital locker similar in some respects to iTunes Match, allowing users to host their entire music collections in the cloud for access from multiple devices. Talks with labels are still underway, and Microsoft may yet find itself unable to obtain all of the rights it is seeking, but it is clear that the company is once again working hard to compete with Apple in the digital media arena.

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Small White Car
86 months ago
Is it time to switch over to only reporting things that don't have cloud storage? It may be easier.
Rating: 10 Votes
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Amazing Iceman
86 months ago
So many Clouds out there are darkening my day.

I can't see the Sun anymore... :D
Rating: 7 Votes
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Lindenhurst
86 months ago

So is it fair to say we are looking at:

1. Apple Ecosystem
2. Google Ecosystem
3. Microsoft Ecosystem?



Yep, but there is always a way to make them all play together...I use an Android phone but still buy songs via iTunes on my iMac. I then use google Music Manager to stream them to my Android device. If I ever go back to Apple for my smartphone, iTunes will be already set up.


Is anyone else getting tired of the word "ecosystem"?
Rating: 7 Votes
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inhalexhale1
86 months ago

Likely. If Microsoft supports the iOS as a controller, and I don't see why not, it would be a nice feature for people who only have an iPhone as an Apple thingy.


That would be great if they brought a Zune Pass type service to iOS. I ditched my Zune because 2 devices became annoying quickly, but their interface and price plan was excellent. 10 downloads (to keep) and unlimited streaming for $10 (I think it was $10, may have been $15) was a great deal. I'm happy with Rhapsody at the moment, but I'd definitely give MS's app/service a try if it comes to iOS.
Rating: 6 Votes
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macnisse
86 months ago
good, more to choose from, lets see how it turns out :D
Rating: 5 Votes
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samcraig
86 months ago
I clicked on my bookmark for MacRumors and wound up on Engadget? I know.. I know.. downvote this for me being snarky. I can take it...
Rating: 5 Votes
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VenusianSky
86 months ago

So many Clouds out there are darkening my day.

I can't see the Sun anymore... :D


Actually, there is only one cloud. It use to be called the Internet.

So is it fair to say we are looking at:
3. Microsoft Ecosystem?


You mean the Microsoft ecosystem that has been running businesses for over ten years, or that consumer stuff that rotates like a merry-go-round?
Rating: 4 Votes
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Renzatic
86 months ago

I think it's just the latest iteration of "e-commerce" from the 90s.


I get my digital e-music by cybersurfing the Information Superhighway. To the max.
Rating: 4 Votes
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Renzatic
86 months ago

Wow! It's like what someone without any design ability, talent or imagination would think a good media site would look like! :confused:


I use Apple computers. I'm good at judging these things.
Rating: 3 Votes
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KevinN206
86 months ago

You must be new to MS this is normal for them making announcements a year or more before hand and then nothing is not that uncommon for MS. Still I doubt this is not for real but will hold judgement till they actually bring it out.

Oh MS you never cease to entertain me. :rolleyes:[COLOR="#808080"]

They announced the rebrand of Zune Music to Xbox Music along with the launch of Xbox SmartGlass for the launch of Windows 8 of THIS year. It's expected that Windows 8 would be available in October for the holiday season.

THIS story was NOT something Microsoft announced. If you read the article, some unidentified sources LEAKED this information. Now, you could be saying that someone from Microsoft did, but what about all the rumors and leaks from Apple? Likewise, how do these annoucements differ for Apple's annoucement for iOS 6 in Fall of this year?

Microsoft has a lot of things launching by the end of this year:

Windows 8 PC
Windows 8 tablet
Windows Phone 8
Xbox SmartGlass
Xbox Music with 30 million songs

These products don't even include enterprise and development software.
Rating: 3 Votes

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