 "Microsoft launching web-based version of Xbox Music next week")
Microsoft is looking to launch a web version for Xbox Music next week, according to a report by The Verge. Microsoft was earlier seen redesigning Xbox Music and its user interface. Now the company will be providing the service online as well.
While Microsoft had earlier relied on Zune as its primary music service, Xbox Music is slated to be a re-branded version of that. Xbox Music, however, will bring a lot more to the table, by serving as both a digital music store as well as a streaming service, similar to what Spotify does.
Windows or Xbox users can buy individual tracks or albums, similar to the services that iTunes offers. In addition, users can also sign up for a premium subscription for a monthly fee, which will provide them with on-demand streaming music, again similar to what Spotify offers.
Microsoft will launch the web-based version of Xbox Music next week (image credit: gizmodo)
Microsoft has ensured that users can access the service from the Xbox Music Windows app, Xbox Live, Windows Phone 8 smartphones, Surface tablets and now the Web as well. The service is aiming at competing with the likes of Apple’s iTunes, iTunes Radio as well as Google Play Music and All Access. Thus, this extension to the Internet makes sense, as all the other competitor services also have a strong presence online. The web version, from what can be seen so far, will feature a fresh version of the Xbox Music Windows 8 app with a two-column design.
The question now remains: Will Xbox Music manage to stand out among the competition? Taking into account the user-friendly nature of both iTunes and Spotify, Microsoft may need to be careful about the way it markets Xbox Music. In addition, Spotify has a good reach as a music streaming service. Xbox Music may not be able to garner as much attention from users due to that.
With Microsoft’s Build Developers Conference taking place today and tomorrow in San Francisco, it is possible that the company may mention the web version of Xbox Music. Be that as it may, users may have to wait for a few days before getting their hands on the service and see for themselves what the company has to offer.
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