Microsoft is getting ready to showcase its Xbox One in the coming days. But before it brings about the next generation of gaming, the Redmond-based company is making sure that everything following up to the console’s release is in top shape before the actual device reaches fans. And the first in line to change its features and appearance is Microsoft’s Xbox Live.
While it was already revealed in the past that the upcoming Xbox Live update for Xbox One would remove PC games from Xbox.com and also remove the previous concept of Microsoft Points in favor of real-money exchange, it has now been revealed that Microsoft is also removing its popular Zune Marketplace.
According to a Q&A posted to the official Xbox website and a report from Polygon, the Zune marketplace will no longer support rentals of any content related to sales of TV, movie or music, as of Aug. 22, with Microsoft Points out of the picture.
“Starting as early as August 22nd Microsoft Points will be retired. As a result you will no longer be able to rent or buy TV, movie, or music content on Zune Marketplace. We encourage you to spend your points balance prior to this change,” an official post states. However it adds that users “will still be able to stream unlimited music with your Xbox Music Pass and enjoy playback of the music, movies, and TV shows in your personal collection.”
With the Zune marketplace now on the way out, users have been advised to switch to Xbox apps to continue with similar transactions. Movies and TV shows will now be rented or purchased from Xbox Video on the Xbox 360 and Windows 8 PC and tablets. Music will now be purchased via the Xbox Music app on Windows 8 PCs, tablets and also through the marketplace on Windows Phone.
When the Xbox One launches later this year, owners of the console will have the option to access Xbox Video, which will also be accessible via Windows Phone 8 and other web browsers. The company has also assured that there will be no impact to the user’s original Zune Music Pass or the ability to redeem the 10 monthly song credits.
Additionally, it has been reported that specified European countries – Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden and Switzerland – will have to wait for the new console’s release as the Xbox One is set to delayed in these countries.
“At E3, we announced that Xbox One would be available in 21 markets around the world at launch. This was an aggressive goal and the team has been working very hard to deliver Xbox One to as many markets as possible,” the official statement says.
“Our priority is ensuring our customers get the best Xbox One experience the first day it is available. To do that, and in order to meet demand, we have adjusted the number of markets that will receive Xbox One in November to 13 markets, including Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand, in November.”
The Xbox One is set for a November 2013 release.
