Microsoft is putting the finishing touches on Windows 10. A major part of their effort is in marketing the new operating system. Part of that effort includes the rebranding of Xbox Music to Groove Music. Windows 10 will include the new updates to their music service. That means that PC users will have the first chance to try it out. Microsoft plans to roll Groove Music out to other devices including iOS and Android in the near future.
To be honest I had never heard of Xbox Music. That will be part of the challenge for Microsoft. Building brand recognition against the newly launched Apple Music and the established brands like Spotify will be an uphill battle. Groove Music is priced the same as Apple Music which is $9.99 a month. It also looks like they offer an annual membership for $99 a year. According to Microsoft the streaming music service includes access to over 40 million tracks. The number of songs depends on your region. There may very well be an opportunity to use Smart DNS to listen to the largest selection of music from their US content library.
I suggest you read the related Microsoft blog post which talks about the new entertainment features in Windows 10. The post outlines the new updates and changes as Xbox Music transitions to Groove Music in the new operating system. It sounds like Microsoft has improved the user interface and usability for the service. You will be able to upload all your music (even from iTunes) into Microsoft’s OneDrive and have instant access to your full song library from the new Groove app for Windows, Xbox, and web browser. In the months to come Microsoft plans to roll out mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Microsoft plans to release Windows 10 in the United States on July 29th so you can expect Groove Music to be available that day. We’re not sure when the mobile apps will launch. Their post only mentions that the apps will be coming soon. In the meantime you can test the streaming music service out on your PC, Xbox, or web browser. Microsoft also plans to have a Movies and TV app for Windows 10. The app is designed to make it easy for users to view their own content along with movies and TV shows purchased through the Windows Store.
Follow us @SmartDNSFan for the latest streaming news and updates. If you currently live or plan to travel outside of the United States you can enjoy channels like Netflix, Hulu, Apple Music, Spotify, and live sporting events from anywhere in the world by using a Smart DNS service.
