Wednesday at Build 2013 Microsoft previewed an all-new look and feel for Xbox Music. The redesigned app, which will launch later this year with Windows 8.1, features a navigation column with the core experiences music lovers access most, showcasing:
· Built-in Search: Faster access to your favorite songs, artists and albums.
· Improved Collection Management: Simple access to your music starts in the “Collection,” where the music you’ve saved in the Xbox Music cloud and your local music and will be at the forefront.
· Streaming Radio Stations:“Radio” will offer seamless creation of new streaming Internet radio stations based on artists you like, and will give you faster access to favorite stations that you’ve already created.
· Exploring the Music Store:“Explore” will take you into the Music Store where you can browse millions or songs, artists and albums.
· Lists of Playlists: Your custom playlists will be available at a glance to quickly begin playback or make edits, and your playlists will continue to sync to your other Xbox Music devices — like Xbox 360 and Windows Phone 8.
Here’s what doesn’t change: Xbox Music is still an all-in-one music service with free music streaming, artist-based Radio, a music store for buying and downloading, and a subscription option for unlimited ad-free music streaming.
Find out more about Xbox Music-related demos at Build 2013 in this Xbox Wire blog post.
You might also be interested in:
· Get a first-hand look at the Windows 8.1 Preview today
· Explore a place where sound goes to die in the second installment of "On the Whiteboard"
Steve Clarke
Microsoft News Center Staff