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Business News Digital
It’s battled on against all the odds, but Zune’s days are numbered
By Andy Malt | Published on Friday 18 September 2015
You should probably get a tissue before you read what I have to say next. There will be tears. I can barely see what I’m typing, so filled with tears are my eyes. Just the thought of telling you this is setting me off again. Oh, maybe I shouldn’t put you through it. Maybe you can’t handle it. No, I’m sure you’ll be strong. Maybe we can set up a support group. But that’s not something for now. Let’s just get this out in the open…
Microsoft is shutting down Zune.
What do you mean you thought it had already been shut down? You heartless bastards. Well, yes, I suppose there was that thing back in 2012 when it looked like it was being replaced by Xbox Music. But no, Zune actually outlived that. Who would have thought it?
In a statement, Microsoft said: “As of 15 Nov 2015, Zune services will be retired. You will no longer be able to stream or download content to your device from the Zune music service. However, Zune devices will still function as music players and any MP3 content that you own on the Zune device will remain there. You’ll also be able to transfer music to and from your Zune player”.
Oh, good news about all our Zune players still working. That’ll be a relief.
And lest you had forgotten what an utterly awful idea DRM on downloads was, the company added: “Content that was purchased with DRM may not play if the license can’t be renewed”.
Meanwhile, if you have a Zune Music Pass subscription it will be converted to a Groove Music Pass. Hello? Are any of these words making sense?