Microsoft music streaming to launch imminently
After scraping Soapbox, the user-generated video service, Microsoft is gearing up to launch a music streaming service by the end of this month, according to a report from Telegraph.uk
The service, which Microsoft aims to have ready by the end of July, will offer users the chance to stream music for free and also download to own.
Peter Bale, executive producer of MSN, Microsoft’s news and entertainment portal, told The Telegraph exclusively: “Music is an important area for Microsoft. We are looking at launching a music streaming service imminently”
The principle will be seemingly similar to Spotify, which lets users stream music for free (with some inserted ads); and premium service with monthly subscription model and download to own a la Zune Pass.
Mr Bale added: “We are looking at how other similar businesses have structured their business models and trying to figure out what will work best for both consumer and Microsoft.”
The service would tie the XBOX 360 and the upcoming Zune HD services.
When is MS going to give up on their Internet initiatives? They are a desktop software company, not an Internet company.
@MenoRikey
Not really, when it comes to msn/live/skydrive