Xbox Music to launch on web next week

26 Jun 2013

Microsoft has confirmed that its music-streaming platform Xbox Music will be available on the web from next week, offering users browser-based access across a multitude of platforms.

A web-based client for Xbox Music was hinted at when it was unveiled last October. On Tuesday, The Verge suggested that its launch was imminent and this has since been confirmed by Microsoft spokesperson Shirley Kim in speaking to Pocket-lint.

More details are expected to follow next week, however, we may also get a preview of the new service at Microsoft’s Build conference, taking place in San Francisco from 26 to 28 June. A refresh of the app for Windows 8.1 is also expected to be revealed at the event.

The Verge cites the URL music.xbox.com and claims that the web-based Xbox Music will operate similarly to Spotify’s browser-based player, letting users search and stream tracks, as well as create and manage playlists.

The move to browser-based streaming expands Xbox Music’s reach as, at the time of writing, the service is only available on the Xbox 360 console, and Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 platforms. As was also suggested at the service’s launch, it is hoped that iOS and Android apps will follow shortly.

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