Tech Report: Microsoft Offers New Music Service

SAN FRANCISO (KCBS) – Microsoft is once again going after music fans with the introduction of Xbox Music as part of its new Windows 8 operating system.

The software giant is setting its sights on Spotify and Pandora with its new streaming music service by making it the default way to hear tunes in Windows 8. The service will also extend to mobile phones and its video game console.

KCBS Technology Analyst Larry Magid:

Xbox Music will allow users to stream music for free as long as they're willing to deal with the occasional advertisement. They will also be able to subscribe to an ad-free service for $9.99 a month.

The service will debut on Xbox 360 consoles on Tuesday and will roll out on Windows 8 tablets and PCs on October 26. It is still unclear when it will be offered on Windows Phone 8 but the company said they will be creating versions for rival platforms as well such as Apple's iOS and Google's Android mobile operating systems.

The ad-supported version of Xbox Music will let users stream an unlimited number of songs for free for the next six months. The subscription service will give users unlimited playback of any track in the catalog on their Windows 8 devices.

You can hear Larry Magid's Tech Report Monday through Friday at 3:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

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