Microsoft plans to launch Xbox music service to take on iTunes, Spotify

Sydney, June 30 (ANI): Software giant Microsoft has planned to launch an Xbox streaming music feature, with download, streaming, and online storage functions similar to Apple iTunes and Spotify.

By combining the best features of competing services, Microsoft seeks to build a digital product that lets customers consume music any way they like.

Sources familiar with the matter said that the firm is in talks with major record companies for the needed rights, and plans to begin service later this year, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

They said Microsoft is negotiating with Vivendi's Universal Music Group, billionaire Len Blavatnik's Warner Music Group, Sony's music division, all based in New York, and Citigroup's London-based EMI.

Sources also revealed that Xbox Music seeks to offer streaming for a monthly or annual fee, similar to Spotify's subscription service.

It would let consumers buy digital music through an online store, such as Zune, Apple's iTunes and Amazon.com, the sources added. (ANI)