Microsoft is prepping a music streaming service to rival the likes of Spotify and We7, and it could be launching as soon as this month! Read on for what we know so far.
We can’t get enough of Spotify’s free music streaming service, but it looks like a heavyweight competitor is about to throw its hat into the ring: Microsoft. Not content with outing the new version of Office, it’s planning a music and streaming download service, due for release very, very soon.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Microsoft MSN’s executive producer Peter Bale let slip the service was in the works. “Music is an important area for Microsoft. We are looking at launching a music streaming service imminently,” he said.
Bale didn’t drop any more definite deets about Microsoft’s Spotify slayer, but the report speculates that it will also offer ad-supported free streaming, as well as a premium subscription service.
Microsoft is also believed to be looking at a download partner for the service, akin to how 7digital offers downloads from within Spotify, and could even offer it through Xbox LIVE.
Surprisingly, it looks as though the Microsoft streaming service won’t be using the Zune brand, which raises worrying questions about whether we’ll ever see the Zune HD on these shores. Expect more news on Microsoft’s music plans in the coming weeks.
Out TBC | £TBC | Microsoft (Via The Telegraph)
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