Microsoft’s streaming music service will soon become subscriber-only.
Effective Dec. 1st this year, the free Xbox Music streaming feature currently available on Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and over the Internet will be discontinued in all countries where it is offered.”
If you’ve already purchased music through Xbox Music, you’ll continue to have access to the music you own.
Microsoft says that it is discontinuing the free service because it is “focusing Xbox Music to deliver the ultimate music purchase and subscription service experience for our customers. With Xbox Music Pass, you have access to millions of songs on your PC, tablet, Xbox, phone, and the web.”
Subscriptions to Xbox Music Pass will be $9.99 (£9) a month.