Microsoft has confirmed the Xbox One won’t offer free ad-supporting Xbox Music streaming, correcting the statement previously issued by Albert Penello.
Penello, head of planning for Xbox One, tweeted that Xbox Music could be streamed for free on the Xbox One with intermittent ads, but it seems that now isn’t true.
He tweeted yesterday that Xbox Music would be free “but you will get periodic ads”, but has since retracted that statement.
“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!” he tweeted, last night.
Previously, he answered another user’s tweet suggesting the service would be free with ads, but he obviously didn’t check his facts first.
“Do you know if you can use Xbox Music without music pass like on [Windows 8.1} and music.xbox.com?” asked one concerned Twitter user.
“Yes. You don’t have to subscribe, but you will get periodic ads,” answered Penello.
Xbox Music is free to stream with advertising on Windows 8.1 and via the Xbox Music website in any browser.
Xbox 360 gamers also need an Xbox Music Pass, which sets them back £8.99 per month. However, the paid option does allow users to listen to music ad-free, create personalised radio stations, offline listening on various devices, synced playlists and offers access to music videos on the 360 too.
The Xbox One will also offer a redesigned Xbox Music app, similar to the Windows 8.1 version. It now supports Bing Search, offers a built-in Search Bar and includes a new Collection tab for music you’ve saved in the Xbox Music cloud and your local music collection too.
Microsoft is launching the Xbox One in 13 markets across the globe on November 22 for an RRP of £429. This comes complete with the Xbox One Kinect and one Wireless Controller.
Its direct rival, the PS4, will launch a week later in the UK on November 29, marking the first time both consoles will launch within the same month.
Next, read our Xbox One vs PS4 comparison
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
