Xbox Music to launch with Windows 8?

3 Oct 2012

Xbox Music to launch with Windows 8?

With the Windows 8 launch on the horizon we’re expecting more to come from Microsoft this month, and a simultaneous launch of Xbox Music could be just one of the surprises up its sleeve.

As previewed at E3 earlier this year, Xbox is set to become more of an entertainment hub with the launch of Windows 8, bringing gaming, TV, music and the web together in one place, and across multiple devices.

Part of this involves the launch of Xbox Music for Xbox 360, Windows Phone and Windows 8. This music hub will give users access to their library of albums and songs from multiple devices using Microsoft’s SkyDrive. They can then add to their collection through an integrated music store, and artist-based radio, social sharing and subscription streaming are just some of the features expected.

Today, The Verge claims that sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans confirmed that this new service will launch on 26 October alongside Windows 8. The site also reports that, as well as subscription-based streaming, XboxMusic will also have an ad-supported free service.

Elaine Burke is the host of For Tech’s Sake, a co-production from Silicon Republic and The HeadStuff Podcast Network. She was previously the editor of Silicon Republic.

editorial@siliconrepublic.com