Microsoft Said To Plan Xbox Music Rivaling Apple, Spotify

Bloomberg writes: Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) plans an expansive Xbox music service joining Spotify-style streaming with download and online-storage functions similar to Apple Inc. (AAPL)’s iTunes, several people with knowledge of the situation said.

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.

[xAlmostPro]

'xbox' service sounds console specific. Surely it would rival PS3's music unlimited more than it would itunes or spotify?

[Patriots_Pride]

Xbox is no longer an individual device name. Xbox is now the name of their entertainment platform. Their devices will be Xbox "whatever" to differentiate it as a specific Xbox device, but the Xbox isn't the device, it's the platform that surrounds it.

[xAlmostPro]

I understand.

What i meant(didn't manage to get it across).

Is that Music unlimited is available on more than the PS3, however that is the only full on music service available on the PS3 hardware.

This for Xbox will be the same, available for more than the Xbox device however for the hardware it will be the only full on music service.

Since this is a gaming site, it sort of makes more sense to look at it that way.

[nukeitall]

Xbox also exist on Windows 8 and RT as well as Windows Phone 8. So this will expand to more than just the console.

It's really exciting news, as I just saw an awesome game called Skulls of Shogun that can be played on any device including tablet, PC, Windows Phone, and Xbox 360 console. You can pick up and play the game on one device and continue on another.

Heck, with the tablet you could even connect an Xbox 360 controller. So now Xbox has turned into a platform, more than being a console specific experience.

Awesome? I say YES! XD

[FredEffinChopin]

Sound familiar? And yes, it is awesome.

[admiralthrawn87]

l

[Heavenly King]

Music and Video Unlimited are offered on lots of devices and not just PS3/PSVITA

[xAlmostPro]

I know, my point was it's the only one available to the PS3 device itself.

Like this will be open to more than just Xbox, however for the xbox hardware it will be it's only service, if that makes sense.

[lordz95]

theyll probably create xpod and xpad or xtab

[BrianC6234]

No thanks. I'll stick with iTunes.

[Zweihanders]

I'd rather have innovation and more connectedness. Competition spurs innovation and do you know who generally wins from it? You and I.

[Patriots_Pride]

Google is the new Microsoft. Microsoft is the new Apple. Apple.....well, Apple died when Jobs did.

[BitbyDeath]

How is Google anything like Microsoft?
Yes, they have money but they earned it.
They still have the don't be evil policy and are making some serious groundbreaking new technologies (like the driverless car and AR glasses).

Apple are still Apple and MS are still MS.

[JonathanG]

Why do you even bother posting in this article if you don't like the X-Box. Then just don't read and don't post in it. Problem solved.

[Zweihanders]

It looks like they are trying to make all their devices and software work together, under one umbarella. I think they are using the Xbox brand because that is where they'd had most success with similar efforts. That's where they are focusing their multimedia experience. It's probably a good move for them because you have the consumer trust built into the xbox brand already. Might as well take advantage of it.

[OmniSlashPT]

First they wanted to rival the iPhone, recently the iPad, now it's iTunes/iPod? lol

I feel MS is a bit obsessed with Apple

[theWB27]

Because they're the most popular maybe? I mean you don't set your goals on going after the 2nd best...you go for first and Apple is in the way. I'm sure they were obsessed with playstation when they first thought of getting into the console business.

[timotim]

Windows Mobile was out way before iPhone and so were Windows tablets out before iPads. And their is nothing like Zune Music Pass on iTunes currently.

[TheKayle]

well like i said in others post they building a nice ecosystem for the future of the xbox

hard to counter microsoft in this

[andrewsqual]

"Durr what would really help us is if over 70% of people in the world with computers, since the late 90s, had machines with Windows on them. Then we would be the market leader in Music AND game distribution on our own platform durrrrrr"
THAT'S the freaking problem Microsoft, you fucked up big time. Apple and Steam own your asses ON YOUR OWN PLATFORM. You had your chance and blew it.
You even have the gall since 2007 to compare Xbox Live and Windows Live like you are bridging the platform. 5 years later nothing. Skyrim is a "Games for Windows" but Xbox and Windows Live are so different in your eyes that PC people have to wait the same time as PS3 for Dawnguard lol. You yourself show you are still useless when it comes to Games for Windows, forget about music. When is Windows Media Player 13 out, 2017 hahaha.

[cervantes99]

I wish Microsoft would innovate instead of copy other competitors when it comes to these devices.

Sure they add a few extra bells and whistles here and there but mostly useless stuff to 99% of users.

Some say Apple died when Jobs did - even though they are the richest company in the world, but I say Microsoft died when Gates left. Gates took all innovation with him - and he was not that innovative.

[ALLWRONG]

You mean like this?

Related image(s)

[DlocDaBudSmoka]

lmao. that was the greatest thing ive seen today. bubs up for that.

[cervantes99]

Bubs Up + ... funny stuff!

[Donnyskillz]

that was check and mate my friend LMAO!!!! goes to show how most people just ramble and dont have a clue to what they are talking about....why the hate....priceless my friend PRICELESS!!!!