Microsoft’s (MSFT) Zune music service will be retired as of Nov. 15, according to the company’s website.
Zune users will no longer be able to stream or download content through the service, but they’ll still be able to use the device to play music and other MP3 content. Some tracks that were purchased with digital rights management (DRM) may not be available to play it would require license renewal, which is not guaranteed.
Zune Music Pass subscriptions will be converted to Groove Music Pass subscriptions at some point between Oct. 15 and Nov. 15, depending on the type of subscription you have.
The new subscriptions can be accessed through Groove-enabled devices, which include Xbox One, Xbox 360, iOS, and Android apps, and the Groove Music website. There won’t be any more free track downloads, but you’ll have access to the over 40 million songs in the Groove catalog.
A Groove Music Pass subscription costs $9.99 per month or $99.90 per year. If you don’t want your subscription to be converted, you can simply cancel it through your Microsoft account. If there’s time left on your subscription at the time of termination, you may be eligible for a refund.
Microsoft’s Zune music player launched in 2006, but struggled to gain traction in a market already dominated by Apple’s (AAPL) iPod and iTunes music store.
