Here’s a bit of a blow for all those hoping to get some free ear candy with the release of the next generation Xbox One. Microsoft has confirmed that users will need to subscribe to Xbox Music for their daily fix.
While it was initially reported via an official tweet from Microsoft exec Albert Penello that users won’t have to subscribe to the service to get their free dose of music, a brand new tweet from Penello has now confirmed that a subscription will be needed after all.
When asked earlier by a fans “if you can use Xbox Music without music pass like on W8.1 and music.xbox.com,” Panello answered “yes. You don't have to subscribe, but you will get periodic Ads.”
The new tweet states: “I was wrong about Music on XboxOne: You get 15 free song plays then need Music Pass for ad-free streaming. No ad-supported streaming. Sorry.” It seems like all those free music expectations from fans will not be taken into account this time around.
When the initial report about free music from Xbox One arrived earlier, it seemed like Microsoft is inching toward an improvement over the current Xbox Music setup for Xbox 360, although it would only operate if users purchased an Xbox Music Pass with everything still dependent on an Xbox Live Gold subscription.
But with the new confirmation for the same now coming into effect, it means that although Xbox One owners will get 15 free song on their console, then must later buy an Xbox Music Pass to keep listening further.
The current versions of Xbox Music for Windows 8.1 and the web allow users to stream ad-supported music streaming, although the Xbox 360 version of it faces a few restrictions.
Had Microsoft actually brought the changes into effect, the version of Xbox Music would be in tune with Microsoft’s Windows and web variants.
Microsoft responded to Penello's tweet with a statement, clearly stating that a free ad-supported streaming model is not meant for the Xbox One – not now, nor in the near future.
“Enjoying Xbox Music on Xbox One does require an Xbox Music Pass, similar to Xbox 360. Users will receive 15 free song plays before having to enter their Music Pass. New users can also sign up for a free 30 day trial. With a Music Pass, you have access to your personal music collection and can stream unlimited, ad-free music,” the company wrote.
“You can use Xbox Music alongside other activities on Xbox One, including games, through Snap mode. Xbox Music is an all-in-one music service that does offer an ad-supported, free streaming option on Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 and online at Music.Xbox.com.”
Microsoft's Xbox One is currently set for a Nov. 22, 2013 release, and will retail for $499.