Microsoft's Xbox music service to be available for free to non-windows users

Microsoft is making its Xbox music service available for free on the web to non-windows users. The service is similar to alternatives like Spotify, which allow you to stream music for free as long as your willing to put up with advertisements. Users can pay a subscription fee to rid themselves of the ads.

"Xbox Music now, more than ever, powers music experiences between Windows 8, Xbox, Windows Phone, and now iOS, Android and the Web," Xbox General Manager Jerry Johnson said in a statement.

The move from the company indicates two things. Firstly, it could mean that the software giant is trying to bring in new customers into ecosystem since it hasn't been able to attract current Windows users. Apart from this, the development represents another step of Microsoft towards becoming a services and devices company.

Until now, the app appealed mainly to gamers who went on to stream music through the app on the Xbox store. But thanks to this move, Microsoft will have an opportunity to capture market share in the ever growing music streaming industry by having a presence on app ecosystems like Android and iOS. Also, the company has timed its move properly, since Apple might announce its own music service on September 10th along with its iPhone launch.

Along with its November 22nd release of the Xbox One, Microsoft will allow users of their brand new console to play games while listening to music simultaneously, a feature that wasn't available to Xbox 360 users.