Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)has announced that it will no longer support music streaming or downloading from Zune Music platform after November 15. However, it will be possible to continue playing music stored on Zune player after that date. Microsoft will transition those on Zune Music subscription plans to Groove, but those on 3-month plans will be converted to a monthly plan instead.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)is set to kill Zune Music service after several years of ups and downs fighting Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPod and other rivals. Streaming or downloading songs from Zune Music service will officially come to an end on November 15, 2015. Shuttering of Zune Music doesn’t come as a surprise, or it shouldn’t be.
The service has faced increasing competition in the recent times from established providers such as Apple and new entrants from around the world.
Although Microsoft will retire Zune Music service, the company isn’t rendering Zune devices useless. If you own Zune music player, you can continue playing the MP3 songs stored on it or add more songs from others sources. You will also have the option to remove songs from your Zune player if you please.
Transfer to Groove
As Microsoft ends Zune Music service, the company plans to transition existing Zune Music Pass subscribers to Groove Music Pass. The monthly plan will cost $9.99 and the yearly plan will come at the cost of $99.90.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)will convert existing subscribers on 3-month Zune Music Pass plan to a monthly plan under Groove.
Availability of Groove
Groove is Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)’s new music player that is available across multiple platforms. You can access Groove on Xbox One and Windows 10. Outside the Microsoft environment, Groove is available on Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s Android and Apple’s iOS platforms. With Groove, you can stream music from Microsoft’s OneDrive on multiple platforms.
Those currently on Zune Music subscription but do not wish to be moved to Groove can cancel their plans before the subscription is renewed.
Sources: thenextweb.com
