Microsoft is shutting down the Groove Music Pass service soon. Additionally, the company is discontinuing the ability to purchase music from the Windows Store.
Currently, Microsoft is collaborating with Spotify to provide seamless transition from Groove Music to Spotify - a former competitor of Groove Music. As a result, the Groove Music Pass service will be shut down on December 31st. After December 31st, the Groove Music app will no longer provide options to stream, purchase, and download music.
Microsoft closes Groove Music Pass service
Despite the streaming service being 'killed off', the Groove Music app will still function for users to play content stored on their devices, transfer data from iTunes to Groove for offline listening. However, Microsoft is considering transitioning to Spotify, and the conversion process will be announced soon.
Starting this week, Windows Insider users can begin transferring playlists and music collections from Groove Music to Spotify, with the scope expanding next week.
In a post on the Windows Blog, Microsoft stated:
The continuous development of applications and music players has made accessing the world of music on devices easier than ever, opening up new opportunities to explore and experience music. We always listen to our customers' desires for music experiences, knowing that accessing the best online streaming services, the largest music catalogs, and subscriptions are top priorities.
That's why we want to inform our customers that we are expanding our partnership with our ally Spotify to provide the world's largest online music streaming service to Groove Music Pass customers. Starting this week, Groove Music Pass customers can easily transfer all their playlists and collections directly to Spotify. Additionally, eligible users can enjoy a 60-minute free trial of Spotify Premium.
Essentially, this collaboration signifies Microsoft admitting that Groove Music has failed, but the company wants to emphasize that partnering with Spotify will allow music fans to access and listen to more songs than ever before.
