After learning Microsoft plans to remove the music hub in the next major update, Windows Phone 8.1, we also knew that the company was building an Xbox Music app to replace the hub. However what we didn’t know is that the app was going to be released ahead of the Windows Phone 8.1 update. The Xbox Music app is available immediately from the Windows Phone Store with features like editable playlists, radio station sync support, offline playback, search and download songs, and ad-free music streaming.
The new music app for Windows Phone requires an Xbox Music Pass in order to stream any song. Microsoft also said that this is just the beginning and more features will be released in future updates. One thing to keep in mind is that because Microsoft is making the Xbox Music and Video apps available as separate downloads, users will have to manually sign-in to these accounts.
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Source Windows Phone Store | Featured image Flickr
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].