Microsoft is planning to expand its Zune Pass music offering to more countries ahead of the launch of the company’s upcoming Spotify-like Xbox Music service. Industry sources have told TechCentral that SA is one of the markets in line to get the music subscription service.

According to US reports, Microsoft plans to launch Xbox Music on 26 October, the same day Windows 8 will become generally available around the world. Despite its name, Xbox Music won’t only work on the Xbox 360 videogame console but also on Windows PCs and tablets, and on Windows Phone 8 devices.

Reports also say the service will be available via iOS and Android apps, though these apps apparently won’t be ready in time for the launch later this month.

There will be a subscription and a free, advertising-supported version of Xbox Music, with the subscription option reportedly costing £8,99/month in the UK, or £89 for an annual pass.

The service is expected to carry up to 30m songs at launch.

What’s not clear is whether Microsoft plans to offer online media, other than music, in the markets in which it is expected to offer the Xbox Music service. Microsoft initially offered the Zune Marketplace only in the US, but later offered some services in other markets in North America, as well as in parts of Europe and Asia.

Until now, the only service available to South Africans has been an application marketplace. Movie rentals and purchases are available in 20 markets around the world. Music has been available only in the US, the UK, France, Australia, Canada, Italy and Spain. Television shows are offered in the US and Canada only.

A Microsoft SA spokesman says company officials are not allowed to comment until the launch event of Windows 8. The SA launch event will take place in Johannesburg on the evening of 25 October. — (c) 2012 NewsCentral Media