http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/ Engadget Comments for Microsoft to launch music streaming service "imminently," could tie-in with Xbox / Zune http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
Don't touch a thing about the paid Zune Pass Microsoft, I love it too much.]]>Jul 14th 2009 12:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 1:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 1:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 2:11PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 3:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 12:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 12:43PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/]]>Jul 14th 2009 4:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
I'd be happy if the service let me use my Zune pass to open the marketplace on my 360 and create and stream playlists there without having to download anything or hook up my Zune. That'd be convenient, easy, and wouldn't take up any hard drive space (still rocking a 20gb).]]>Jul 14th 2009 12:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
http://www.spotify.com/en/
No harm in checking out.]]>Jul 14th 2009 12:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
Don't touch a thing about the paid Zune Pass Microsoft, I love it too much.]]>Jul 14th 2009 12:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 15th 2009 8:22AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 12:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
iTunes doesn't stream, FYI. You download. There is something of a difference.]]>Jul 14th 2009 12:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
]]>Jul 14th 2009 12:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
Come on Apple, offer a subscription model.]]>Jul 14th 2009 12:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 12:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
I myself do not want to have another subscription to manage, thank you very much...]]>Jul 14th 2009 12:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 12:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
Not a fanboy, but a logical thing to do would be to steal as many apple fanatics as possible and migrate them into MS's environment.]]>Jul 14th 2009 12:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 12:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
Joking aside, I think it would be great. I'm the opposite of Scuubs. I have a gold membership for Xbox Live and no zune pass. However, if the two services are merged, I can have the best of both worlds. And since MS is looking for more integration of the Zune and Xbox experience, I say "Why not?"

They need to do something if they have any intention of slowing the iTunes juggernaut.]]>Jul 14th 2009 1:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
Its no longer Engadget, its the Paul A. Chapel show.

I think I just threw up a little in my mouth. ]]>Jul 14th 2009 12:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 12:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
If Microsoft wants to do "all-encompassing" technology, they should first work on getting all of their own technology to work together seamlessly. While I enjoy being able to stream my music and videos to my 360 via Zune or Media Center, the fact that both are available, each with similar features begins to be annoying. Especially when you consider that some services (zune pass, TV connectivity are a couple of examples) are not available for control in both services.

If they want to add in a new service, they need to do it in one or more of their existing services and start doing away their other ones. Personally, I'd like to see Media Center taken away entirely and be folded into the far better looking Zune service. I understand that WMP is likely not going to go away, as it is, like their Internet Explorer, the built-in option, I think Media Center is facing a serious identity crisis in the current generation. I like it's new integration with Netflix...but wouldn't that work better in conjunction with, rather than opposed to, the Zune Store?

Zune already does a good job of integrating radio and mp3 player functionality. The ability to identify a song and download it later, while not mind-blowing, is useful, and is one of the best features of Zune. You integrate Media Center's ability to do TV and offer a similar service (download a TV show you just missed via Zune Store) and you have an amazing product on your hands. Add Netflix and this music streaming service in and you've got an amazing service on your hands. It truly would be a Media Center-- able to access content via live broadcast (TV & radio), streaming services (Netflix and the new music streaming) or via download (Zune store/Zune Pass). Now, put that on the XBox as well and you've got the most comprehensive media services on three devices- computer, game console, and PMP. Make a Zune Phone and get the mobile market involved...

wait, why am I not in charge of Microsoft again? C'mon, I could make you guys a LOT of money. ]]>Jul 14th 2009 12:40PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 12:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
That's the answer.]]>Jul 14th 2009 1:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 1:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
Well, the lawyers at least. Don't forget that the second Microsoft starts to link services, hundreds of lawyers and governments start screaming "Stifled competition and Monopoly!!!"]]>Jul 14th 2009 1:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
Primarily, WMP exists as a free built-in solution to media playing. Were Zune packaged in, I believe it would take nanoseconds for Microsoft to be hit with anti-trust suits from every angle. Zune, as a service with a payment option and a proprietary hardware requirement, cannot replace the free WMP.

Secondly, Zune already has a lot in common with Media Center. Both can play stored content. Both have access to live broadcast content through outside hardware (zune devices have radio, Media Center can integrate with a cable box). Both can access streaming content (zune pass for zune, netflix for media center). Now the Zune marketplace has both video and music. It would make sense to me to simply combine all the content management (live,streaming, downloads) into one place and then put them as many places as possible, rather than leaving media center only on the PC and 360.

I mean, if you could add songs to your streaming from your phone, your PC, your zune and the 360, you'd really have an all-encompassing media solution.

And personally, i've never had a problem with the interface of the zune software, even when I hook it up to my TV via HDMI and run it from across the room. I think you could tweak the Zune UI to be more of a "10 ft HUD" style, and do away with Media Center a lot more easily than you could convince all the other companies not to sue if Microsoft stops making WMP and puts Zune on every computer. ]]>Jul 14th 2009 1:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 8:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/"Windows Media Center is an entirely different animal from Zune and Xbox services. It's an integrated experience that allows people to watch and record television on their pc, and efficiently use their pc when it's hooked up to a television. It would be a huge mistake to roll it into Microsoft's entertainment division."

Media Center has the CAPABILITY to watch and record TV on a computer. However, it also: plays music stored on a computer, can view pictures and videos stored on the computer, and can sync with XBox 360s to display all the above content on those devices. also, it can play your netflix content.

Zune allows downloading of videos and pictures, as well as streaming of content, allows users to remember songs played on the radio and download them...and syncs with XBox 360s to display all the above content on those devices. Also, it can play your netflix content.

The point is that almost everything that Media Center can do, Zune can do. The only difference is TV, which as I said above is far from the only thing that people use it for. My parents use it mostly for the ability to play music and Netflix. I used to use it to play my media content of my 360. Now, I use Zune. Media Center is a bastard child, which has a single trick that other Microsoft offering don't do: TV. If you add the ability for Zune to display live TV content from a cable input you lose nothing by switching. Why have 3 programs to play an MP3? Why have 3 programs to watch DVDs on? Why have 3 media players for your pictures. It's non-sensical.

Take the Zune brand name, change it to "Zune Media Center", add in the ability to display content from live TV and add a service that would let you download a show you happen to be watching and VOILA, you've completely eliminated the need for Media Center. Zune can also be displayed on a TV that's hooked up to a computer (in fact, I'm typing this by reading off of my TV while Zune plays in the background).

Now, if you add the Zune Marketplace to the XBox 360 dash, you will have a SINGLE point of reference for downloading movies, music and TV shows and can cut down to 2 media players: Zune, the complete media center with access to TV, Radio, streaming, and downloadable content, and WMP, the basic, built-in player that is not tied to a subscription service or a proprietary piece of hardware. You will still be able to view your content on a TV. You will eliminate an infrastructure of self-competing products, and you will make Zune an incredibly more robust service than iTunes.

Again, if you can consolidate live, streaming and downloadable content into one place, you make it easier on consumers as well as drive down development costs (less products, less things to update and troubleshoot). This would allow the one-stop-shop of Zune Marketplace to deliver content to phones, PMPs, computers, and the Console (thereby bringing it to TVs in two different ways).

Feel free to explain it to me, but I just don't see how having 3 services that have both overlapping features and zero integration between them makes any sense from a business standpoint...unless you count "Media Center" as a stand-alone version of Windows that can be used to charge more...which to me is just a BS excuse. Zune > Media Center in every facet except television and it is 100% free. The micropayments from new users downloading content and buying subscriptions would vastly exceed the difference in people who buy the Media Center addition.

Again, though-- tell me why Media Center as a stand-alone is better than integrating TV services into Zune. ]]>Jul 15th 2009 12:43AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 12:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 12:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
Yeah, some of us can afford that type of thing.]]>Jul 14th 2009 12:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 12:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
Because I go to mars a lot and when I go I BETTER HAVE MUSIC GAWL DARNIT.

More and more things are online nowadays...the cloud is growing so I think criticizing streaming music is a fail.]]>Jul 14th 2009 12:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
This is just more BS from Redmond because they haven't come up with a single business plan or product that makes sense beyond licensing the OS and selling Office. ]]>Jul 14th 2009 1:01PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
If you are in your house, or your office, on a mobile device that can use 3G, or in a public area (coffee shop, library, etc.) tht has free public wifi...guess what, this will be a way for you to get music that you want delivered to you. If you don't have a mobile device that can get some form of internet...then you're not going to use this service.

That's how the internet works...when you don't have connection to it, you can't use it...by your own logic, EVERY online service is FAIL. EBay must be fail because I can't use it when I don't have the bandwidths. Amazon is FAIL because I can't use it when I'm scuba diving and don't have and internet capable device. Google? Total FAIL because when I am sitting in a room with my computer turned off, and no other form of communication with the outside world exists, I can't even use it. What kind of business model is that?]]>Jul 14th 2009 1:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
This is just more BS from Redmond because they haven't come up with a single business plan or product that makes sense beyond licensing the OS and selling Office. "

Uh........................yeah. I'm just gonna back away and assume you are a nut.

]]>Jul 14th 2009 1:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
Yes, you're not going to be able to use it when you can't get internet. That is obvious. What you forget is that this is not "instead of" Zune or anything like that, it's "in addition". So, if you are going where you can't get internet, maybe you could use some sort of futuristic device that stores mp3s and allows you to play them back later at a time when you want music, but do not have the internet. Some sort of personal media player, or something along that route.

Sarcasm aside, it's wildly obvious that you don't like Microsoft, but if you took Microsoft out of this announcement, would you really think it was such a bad idea? I mean, Pandora, last.fm, and dozens of other streaming sites exist because there are times you cannot use a PMP, and do not have admin rights on a computer to install music playing programs like Zune or iTunes. The market for this already exists as is readily evident from the fact that other companies are already doing this. So this idea of yours that somehow when Microsoft does it is is an immediate fail contradicts every bit of evidence available. Streaming sites make money. Microsoft already has the infrastructure to stream music, as well as an extensive collection from their Zune marketplace...makes a LOT of sense.

Especially if they tie it in with Zune. Then, the Zune service would offer both subscription services as well as streaming services, two things that Apple does not currently do. Logically speaking, it would be a smart move.

So, rebut this-- how is this a fail? If others, with less expendable amounts of money, can succeed with streaming...how is it a fail when Microsoft does it?]]>Jul 14th 2009 1:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 8:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
He keeps changing his avatar. It was Sean Connery just a minute ago, and it was actually Jesus minutes before that. Now it's the Halo guy.

This guy is on the crack rock for sure!]]>Jul 14th 2009 12:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
With all the decent 'Pandora-like' music streaming radio programs out there, like Slacker, Spotify, Last.fm, Pandora.....what is Microsoft hoping to bring to the table?

I don't see how anything can be different enough from the other well established services to warrant going with them.

And as someone said above....they already HAVE a much better streaming service then any of the before-mentioned services, it is called ZunePass. Sure, it isn't free like the others, but its also 10000x better.

Implementing a "Free" or "Close to Free" version of ZunePass that has only the functionality of Pandora, is a waste of resources in my opinion.]]>Jul 14th 2009 12:58PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
Netflix for example, is a great service that has been added to the Media Center family. Now, when I go home, I don't have to bring my external harddrive full of movies or install a new program. I simply go to Media Center or the Netflix website and stream the content I want to myself. No downloads that I have to bring and no worries about not being able to install software or having to delete movie files after I watch them. Same thing would work with music. If there was a netflix-esque music service where I could select my favorite artists and have them streamed to me at work, or when I am on a computer where I don't have admin rights, I'd enjoy it, especially if it saved my preferences remotely, like netflix.

That's why Zune Pass and a streaming service are not mutually exclusive. ]]>Jul 14th 2009 1:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
First off, you don't 'have' to download anything. ZunePass offers downloads, or streaming.

Second, your complain about having do 'download software', although a very minor annoyance, is still valid.

Solution? Slap a web UI on to Zune Marketplace. Use your ZunePass to stream. Have a different tiered pricing plan for UI Streaming Zunepass only.]]>Jul 14th 2009 1:19PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/
It it end-of-the-world problematic? No. But it is a hassle I wish I didn't have to have.

I agree that a "new" service isn't necessary. I believe it should fit in with their existing products. I simply was pointing out that there are many times when simply having a streaming option in Zune is not enough. ]]>Jul 14th 2009 1:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 4:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 1:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/microsoft-to-launch-music-streaming-service-imminently-could/Jul 14th 2009 1:10PM