Update: Microsoft stated that the Groove Music post was an error. The music service is just called Groove.
In a recent post to the Windows Blog, Brandon LeBlanc further detailed how entertainment will be distributed and presented with Windows 10. Although nothing revolutionary has been shown, minor rebranding and user interface tweaks are being implemented, now being optimised for Windows 10 and the rapidly evolving Microsoft ecosystem.
The music application for Windows has undergone some significant changes, having a minor redesign and rename. The Xbox Music app is now to be rebranded Groove Music, moving the platform from the Xbox branding, and instead optimising the experience across all platforms. Xbox Music has previously presented confusion to everyday users, with the platform being mistakenly linked to the console. Even though Xbox is a platform rather than a piece of hardware, many are still confused by the difference. This rebrand will hopefully reduce the confusion, while also giving the opportunity to change the service in response to feedback. As a result, Xbox Video has now been rebranded to ‘Movies and TV’.
Although the apps are similar, Groove Music has added more personalisation and fluidity to the experience. According to Microsoft, the new app will be faster and smoother, with navigation designed for both keyboard and mouse, and touch screens. The app will use similar gestures to other Windows apps, and be familiar for many Windows users. Groove Music will also support light and dark themes, perfect for different times of day. Accent colours can also be chosen to give the user more customisation.
Any existing Xbox Music passes will be converted to a Groove Music Pass once the platform launches, with similar benefits to those currently offered. A pass can also be purchased for $9.99 a month, or $99 a year. From the details shared, we can expect all major features to stay during the transition.
Most existing platforms are most likely to be supported, with apps already confirmed on Windows devices, Xbox, Android and iOS. Web access will also be available at launch.
Check out the official Groove Music site here.
Source: Windows Blogs
Matt was a regular ICXM contributor in 2015, publishing 110 articles across game reviews, Windows and PC, and Xbox news. Their work focused on hands-on reviews, platform commentary, and breaking-news reporting during the Xbox One’s first full year of post-launch coverage, including the early days of Backwards Compatibility and Windows 10 gaming. They post on X as @RTEnvi.