Today the big news was Microsoft selling its MixRadio music service to LINE, but there is even a bigger news happening, as it seems that the company will soon update its Xbox Music and OneDrive services to make possible for users to stream music stored in the cloud storage service via the Xbox Music app.
According to a new report from Neowin, an unnamed source familiar to the plan claims that Microsoft is planning a significant update for both, Xbox Music and OneDrive that will allow users to listen to music stored in the cloud.
Although, this is a big news for music fanatics, we heard before of such plan, we just didn’t know when or how. The information revealed today also suggests that will also be an option to import playlists from other services, like iTunes.
The news comes days after Microsoft permanently discontinued its free music stream service via Xbox Music. Now only Xbox Music Pass subscribers can stream music from the service. The update that Microsoft is planning for OneDrive and Xbox Music will simplify how users access content on almost any device and shows the company is committed to the music streaming business.
However, this new capability is similar to the “Cloud collection” feature on Xbox Music, which allows you to match any songs found in your PC to the service. Now, if you use the OneDrive approach, you’ll be using part of your cloud storage, when with Cloud collection this didn’t happen.
While there is not much information at this point, it’s believed that Microsoft will offer the new music locker service for free with a paid music membership. And it’s unclear, if the company will offer music streaming from OneDrive for free.
It’s expected that Microsoft will introduce the feature soon, but there isn’t a release date just yet. I’ll be updating this post as more information becomes available. In the meantime, what do you think about the new approach? Would you use it?
Source Neowin
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].