Microsoft will soon end support for the free version of its Xbox Music streaming service starting December 1, 2014 for Windows 8.0 and 8.1 devices.
The Redmond based software giant is not pulling the music streaming service completely; it’s just the free version of the service, launched last year, which will face the axe.
“Effective December 1, 2014, the free Xbox Music streaming feature currently available on Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and over the internet will be discontinued in all countries where it is offered,” Microsoft noted.
“We are focusing Xbox Music to deliver the ultimate music purchase and subscription service experience for our customers.
“With Xbox Music Pass, you have access to millions of songs on your PC, tablet, Xbox, phone, and the web. Download music for offline listening and create playlists that automatically sync across all your devices.”
Music lovers, in order to stream music on their PC or mobile device, will now be required to subscribe to Microsoft’s paid music streaming service Xbox Music Pass, priced at £8.99/$9.99 per month, that allows ad-free, offline access on a range of devices and a library of more than 90,000 videos on the Xbox 360 and Xbox One. The subscription plan will also let users download music for offline listening.
Users will continue to view any playlists or collections created using the free streaming feature, but they won’t be able to listen to the music in those playlists or collections unless they purchase the music or an Xbox Music Pass, added Microsoft.
