We heard rumours of an MSN Music streaming and downloading service back in the Summer, but now it’s official. Microsoft is making a two-pronged attack on the current web music players, serving up a download to own service, as well as music streaming through the browser, just like Sky Songs. Oh, and the latter is free.
The download addition to MSN Music is more of a restoration than anything: it brings back the feature MSN Music lost earlier in the year when the partnership with supplier OD2 ended. If you have a Windows Live ID, you’ll be able to download tracks from all the major labels, for around 79p (some will be less) per track or £7.99 per album. It’s based on the same platform as the Zune offering in the US, and opening in public beta today.
What we’re really excited about is the browser based music streaming service MSN Music is prepping. It’s free – Microsoft says the display ads will pay for it – and offers access to 1million tracks, so you’ll be able to tune in to anything you like at work without the subscription charge Sky Songs asks for, or the constant audio interruptions you face on free Spotify or We7. Microsoft says there are no plans to take the service mobile, but even without, we can’t complain about paying nothing.
Unfortunately, the MSN Music streaming element is only in closed beta for a few thousand testers right now, with MSN’s executive producer Peter Bale unable to say which side of the new year a public launch might fall, but we’ve snagged a pass anyway. We’ll be taking it for a spin soon, so look out for a full preview shortly.
Out Now | £varies | MSN Music
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