Microsoft Pulls Plug on Zune Music Service; Subscribers Shifted to Groove

The Redmond giant confirmed that users will no longer be able to stream or download content from the Zune Music Service to the device. Zune device will however continue to function as a music player and any MP3 content that is owned by the user will remain there. Users will be also able to transfer music to and from their Zune player.

Announcing the news, Microsoft back in September said in Support page, "As of November 15, 2015, Zune services will be retired. You will no longer be able to stream or download content to your device from the Zune music service."

The company further added that the content that was bought with DRM may not play as the licence cannot be renewed. "Existing Zune Music Pass subscriptions will be converted to Groove Music Pass subscriptions," said Microsoft.

Microsoft launched its Zune player back in 2006 as an answer to Apple's popular iPod lineup. The company however stopped manufacturing Zune hardware in 2011.

To recall, Microsoft back in July revamped the Entertainment section of Windows 10 and rebranded Xbox Music to Groove. Microsoft says the Groove Music Pass is the new version of both the Zune Music Pass and the Xbox Music Pass.

The difference with the Groove Music Pass is it comes with new features and can be used across all Groove-enabled devices including Windows 10, Xbox One, Xbox 360, iOS, Android, Sonos, and through a Web browser on your PC. Groove is priced $9.99 (approximately Rs. 660) per month or $99.90 (approximately Rs. 6,600) per year.