Audio (4858)

Microsoft revamps Zune music subscriptions

"Pass" subscribers get to keep 10 songs a month

20 November 2008 10:37 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

Microsoft has announced "landmark agreements" with both major and independent music labels for a new subscription music model for its Zune MP3 player.

The Zune Pass subscription service currently gives consumers on-demand access to millions of tracks for $14.99 per month.

But, from now, subscribers will get to select 10 tracks per month to keep and add them to their permanent collection.

EMI, Sony BMG, Universal Music and Warner Music, as well as independent distributors are all in on the new Microsoft deal.

Zune Pass subscribers will also get access to DRM-free MP3 tracks with the Zune service to soon offer over 90% of its music in the MP3 format.

US consumers can test the Zune Pass subscription in a free, 14-day trial. The Zune range has yet to see a launch in the UK.

Full tags

Audio, MP3 players, Microsoft, Zune, Music downloads, DRM-free