Microsoft also decides to invest more in music services, presenting Xbox Music, for purchasing songs and albums.
Microsoft is expanding its business interests, moving beyond operating systems and new tablets – Surface is expected soon – and is now focusing on the music sector.
The Xbox Music service is launching as an alternative to Apple’s giant iTunes.
It seems music is increasingly attracting tech players, as just a few days ago Amazon also announced the launch of its new Amazon MP3 Store and Cloud Player.
Microsoft is therefore ready to deploy its catalog of songs and tracks – reportedly 30 million pieces already available – to owners of Xbox 360, devices with Windows Phone 8, and devices with Windows 8.
A “universal” project that would reach all spheres of Microsoft’s operations, while at the same time likely surpassing the company’s existing services, such as Zune or the historic Windows Media Player.
Xbox Music will be available for free trial listening (likely with the addition of advertising banners), but there will also be an option to purchase a subscription for just under $10 per month, allowing users to download songs and albums at will and with full freedom.
The free usage should, however, only pertain to the streaming listening possibility.
Regarding the worldwide release, what is certain is that starting Tuesday, October 16th, only U.S. users will be able to try the new service.
Only later, perhaps about ten days after the service’s inauguration, will Xbox Music arrive in Europe.
The service will definitely be pre-installed on devices equipped with the Windows 8 operating system, thus becoming their default media player.
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