Microsoft is continuing their phased closure of the Zune Marketplace, which has been replaced with Xbox Music and Video. The latest change involves users not being able to purchase music or video through the service starting as early as August 22nd. For that reason, Microsoft is encouraging you to spend any Microsoft Point balances before that date. The move appears to be a combination...
Sometimes technology is a collection of circuitry and silicon, sometimes though – it is a magical moment full of feelings and memories. The best experiences are born when technology transcends our knowledge and connects us with what we love. British science fiction writer and futurist, Arthur C. Clarke, once said: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic...
Microsoft has fired out an email introducing consumers to the Xbox Music Pass, which was previously branded the Zune Pass. The subscription model opens up an impressive catalogue of music that's available for streaming, download and purchase (should one wish to cancel the subscription but retain music tracks). We've previously expected the company to launch the rebranded streaming...
![Xbox Music Pass and Zune Pass use different DRM, not directly compatible for syncing? [Updated]](https://www.windowscentral.com/sites/wpcentral.com/files/styles/w250h188crop/public/postimages/4213/xbox%20music_1.png?itok=Rdc2tikq)
Update: And just like that our Xbox Music app updated and is now auto-importing Zune Pass content. So it works going forward, but Xbox Music does not DRM sync back to Zune--yet. Eck. Looks like there’s going to be a headache for some of us as we upgrade and merge to Windows 8 (and Windows Phone 8) regarding music. Turns out, Zune Pass music doesn't like to import into Xbox Music and...
If you’re a current Zune Pass subscriber, you may want to check your email. Microsoft has just sent out the Xbox Music update details for those who are using Zune Pass and what’s more, they’re throwing in a 1,000 MS Points to celebrate. Those points (worth $12.50 or an average album) can be used “on any of the music, video, or game content on Xbox LIVE”. (Wait, we’re still calling it...
The Nokia Lumia 710 is on offer at Vodafone UK for £150, accompanied by a 6-month Zune Pass. The Windows Phone was made available on both Vodafone and Three earlier last month for £199 (though Vodafone reportedly dropped the price to £150 soon after). The Lumia 710 packs a 1.4 Ghz processor, 3.7" screen, 5MP camera, 8GB storage and sports a handful of pre-loaded Nokia apps. Hurry up...
We're really starting to hate the fact that there are barely any Microsoft Stores around as they keeping having some great deals. The latest promotion runs from now till February 14th (that'd be Valentine's Day for you Forever Aloners out there) and involves getting one year of Zune Pass for free with the purchase of a new Windows Phone. At $10 a month that's about a $120 value and if...
It was announced just a few weeks ago that Zune Pass was finally coming to Australia. Then we got wind of a few more details from WPDownUnder what exactly it would and wouldn't have to offer (e.g. no podcast support, lame). The date to launch was November 16th, that day is upon us and according to Chris Walsh, it's now available. So, to our Aussie friends--you down with the Zune Pass?
We touched on Microsoft announcing the news that Australia will be getting the Zune Pass on November 16th, but new details have come to light about what will (and wont be) present and included in the subscription. With the announcement being made by Microsoft, WPDownUnder contacted the software giant for clarification on features tied to the Zune Pass: Artist biographies won't be...
After months of testing, Zune Pass is heading to Australia. Along with voice control for Kinect, Microsoft announced the release of the Zune Pass subscription service during a press event in Sydney. The Zune Music Pass in Australia will run $11.99 a month and give subscribers unlimited listening capacity on their Zune software, Xbox console and Windows Phones. The Zune Pass will give...
![Zune terms changing Sept 13, reducing the number of sync devices for music [Updated]](https://www.windowscentral.com/sites/wpcentral.com/files/styles/w250h188crop/public/resource_images/zunetos.PNG?itok=IR11XQO3)
Oh this is not something we want to post as this is just bad, bad bad. Evidently, on September 13th Microsoft is reducing the number of devices upon which you can sync with the Zune music service from 6 (3 computers and 3 devices) to just 4 (at least 1 computer and any combo of 3 PCs and devices). You'll also need to download at least one new song to each device to continue using the...
It seems Australia are in line for some Zune improvements. The Mango 4.8 Zune client displays the music tab when locality is set to Australia and/or an Australian Live ID is used. What's more interesting is that while there's only a small selection of songs and albums available, it does reveal a proposed pricing scheme (using Microsoft Points). Songs will set music lovers back 129...
The Zune team are giving away two three month Zune Pass subscriptions to two lucky winners (so that's 6 months worth of Zune goodness each), which can be used on your Windows Phone 7 handset. To be eligible for the tweepstake, you must have a Twitter account (who doesn't these days?) and be over the age of 14, living in the US. Entering the competition is as easy as 1, 2, 3 (no, really...
In the Redmond, WA Area? Have two hours to kill? If so, Microsoft User Research is looking for Zune Pass users to participate in a two hour study. The study will take place on Microsoft’s Redmond campus with participants offered a choice of new Microsoft software, hardware or games from a list of our current most popular titles. Sound interesting? To sign up for the survey just send...
We first saw AT&T offering a free Zune pass back when Windows Phone first launched--anyone remember the "free entertainment pack"? It now looks like they are returning to a similar offer, along with Amazon Wireless, for a limited time (through June 26th) but instead of one 30-day pass, they are offering three-full months. Valued at about $45, it's not a huge offering but lets not...
The Zune Pass ($14.95 a month; $150 a year) allows unlimited music downloads to your computer, which can the be transferred to your phone. But what has been vexing me for the last few weeks of using my Samsung Focus/HTC HD7 is that there was no obvious way to use my Zune Pass on the go. For example, say I'm in the store, hear a song playing and ID it with Shazam. I can then go to the...
This one kind of explains itself: you order any new Windows Phone 7 device through the Microsoft store, get 3-months of Zune Pass for free ($45 value). Hey, if you don't mind ordering online and waiting a few days for delievery, sounds like a deal to us. Go here to learn more. Thanks, @mearsfan25, for the info!
For those of you who have not yet joined the Zune network, Microsoft is giving away 3 months of it for free if you pre-order a new device with Windows Phone 7. In the U.S. (where this offer is only valid, sorry ROW), this adds up to a savings of $45 ($14.99 a month) and is a great way to give the Zune music and video marketplace a trial three months. As mentioned numerous times here, a...
