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Microsoft adds 10 MP3s-to-own to monthly Zune Pass subscription

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Mobile | by Stephen Schenck | Thu Nov 20, 2008 1:03PM | 1 comment

While Apple's busy adding new restrictions to iTunes purchases, Microsoft is taking a more user-friendly stance, offering Zune Pass subscribers DRM-free MP3s to own. The Zune Pass plan gives users access to Microsoft's music catalog in the form of protected WMA files. Subscribers can download as many as they like, which will only continue to play as long as users maintain their subscriptions. With this new announcement, users can choose ten tracks each month to download as unprotected MP3 files, playable on any music device. Microsoft is working out the rights negotiations with content providers, and expects that soon over 90 percent of the songs included in the Zune Pass service will be available as MP3s. Assuming a normal cost to download of one dollar per track, this change adds a $120 value to the Zune Pass plan each year.

This story around the web:

Trusted sources:
external link 10 free MP3s per month for Zune Pass… [SlashGear]
external link Microsoft Announces New Zune Pass Music… [AVING WORLD]
external link Microsoft lets Zune music subscribers keep… [Yahoo! News: Technology News]
external link Microsoft lets Zune music subscribers keep… [PhysOrg]
external link Microsoft Zune Users Now Get to Keep Some… [PC World]
external link Microsoft, labels try to revive subscriptions… [Techmeme]
external link NEWS: Microsoft revamps Zune music… [Pocket-lint.co.uk]
external link Zune Pass Now Offers 10 Tracks Per Month to… [Digital Home Thoughts.com]
external link Zune Pass subscribers get to keep 10 songs,… [Ars Technica]
external link Zune Pass Subscription Service Adds Ten Free… [Gizmodo]
external link Zune Subscription Model Updated [Ubergizmo]

Get more information on topics relating to this story:


Related company news:
Microsoft
Related glossary terms:
MP3, DRM, Protected WMA (DRM)
Related brand news:
Microsoft Zune
Related devices and services:
Microsoft Zune, Microsoft Zune 120, Microsoft Zune 80

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Jake Tripp external link (1:06 PM on Thu Nov 20, 2008)

Wow! Something like that makes me really have to consider a Zune. Unlimited music subscription that when it runs out you're left with something for your trouble. Well played!

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