Microsoft opens Xbox Music to all developers with full access to catalog, streaming and more

The Xbox Music team fabricated a big announcement today, releasing new APIs designed to allow 3rd-party developers build apps around Microsoft'south music service. Microsoft previously piloted such a program back in December, simply today'due south annunciation opens it for the residuum of the world without needing to apply.

The proclamation post gives even more than details of the new API, including consummate information on how to implement many new features. Developers have total access to Xbox Music'southward 38 million runway catalog bachelor in 23 countries. Furthermore, there is an chapter program whereby developers can earn a 5 percent share on purchases and a massive 10 per centum on all music pass payments for the lifetime of the subscription.

The new API will give open access to the post-obit features:

38 million songs
Creative person and album images
Search the catalog for artists, albums and tracks
Full access to 30 2d MP3 previews for unabridged catalog
Access to full track streaming for Xbox Music Pass subscribers
Unmarried sign-in integration with Microsoft Business relationship or access key via Azure Data Market
User authenticated features of Xbox Music: Read the subscriber's music library and playlists, add new music content or create new playlists (Airplane pilot programme only)

Microsoft'south opening of the Xbox Music API is a significant step for the company to combat Amazon, Google and Apple, whose music stores are much more attainable. In order to read a subscriber'south music library or to add new content, developers still need to utilise to the Pilot Program. All other features of the API though are at present open.

Assuming developers begin to implement Xbox Music in apps for Windows Phone, Windows and competing platforms it could make Xbox Music a more powerful service. Clearly Microsoft is betting a lot on Xbox Music. Hopefully, nosotros'll see developers adopt this API and release more robust music apps for users.

Source: Xbox Music for Developers; Thanks, MA7mgte#WP, for the tip!

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