In anticipation of the Windows 8 release next week, Microsoft has officially announced Xbox Music. This new service from Microsoft is a brings features of Apple’s iTunes together with the streaming music service Spotify, to offer its users a combination which is currently not available in the market.Xbox music will have a generous catalogue of over thirty million tracks at launch, which will span over the entire Microsoft ecosystem, ranging from the Xbox, Windows 8 devices, Windows Phone 8 devices and even with the promise of making its way to iOS and Android.
The service will be primarily based on the current Zune Service, but Microsoft will enhance Xbox Music by offering free (ad-supported) streaming of the catalog. Users can opt for a paid ($9.99) option which will give them an ad-free unlimited listening experience of the entire music collection.
A ‘Scan and Match’ service will be available at a later time allowing users to upload their own tracks and enjoy them through the cloud on their mobile devices. While iOS and Android apps will be available down the line, Windows Phone 8 devices like the Nokia Lumia 920 will be the first to enjoy this experience.
Additionally Microsoft’s Smart DJ will help users find new favorites by scanning their existing collection and preferences, serving as a music lover’s personal online radio.
Microsoft has a huge task ahead of them with their success heavily dependent on the success of Windows 8 which will be available on October 26th along with the Microsoft Surface RT which is now available for pre-order. You can also pre-order the retail DVD of Windows 8 right now if you don’t want to wait until next week.