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发帖数: 3492 | 1 Thu, 28 Jun 2012 11:35:23 PDT
Earlier this month, we noted that Microsoft was making a major push into the
living room, seeking to use its Xbox hardware as the hub for new streaming
video content and a "SmartGlass" app for various platforms that will allow
two-way Airplay-like wireless streaming between devices and an Xbox
connected to a television.
Bloomberg now reports that Microsoft is also making a substantial push on
the music side, talking to labels about launching a hybrid music service
that would offer both iTunes-like downloads and Spotify-like streaming
content.
The Redmond, Washington-based software maker is in talks with major record
companies for the needed rights, and plans to begin service later this year,
said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions
aren’t complete.
By combining the best features of competing services, Microsoft seeks to
build a digital product that lets customers consume music any way they like.
The maker of the Xbox console is building the new music business after its
unsuccessful effort with the Zune service, which will close and move
customers to Xbox Music, the company said on its website.
Microsoft's music service will reportedly also include a digital locker
similar in some respects to iTunes Match, allowing users to host their
entire music collections in the cloud for access from multiple devices.
Talks with labels are still underway, and Microsoft may yet find itself
unable to obtain all of the rights it is seeking, but it is clear that the
company is once again working hard to compete with Apple in the digital
media arena. |
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