Microsoft Corporation has unveiled Ignition, a cross-platform soapbox for the world"s musical talent. The company has previously proposed a huge network of media, music and gaming that would span multiple devices: Windows computers, Xbox game consoles, and even Zune media players. This new network of music and music videos will be available via any of Microsoft"s many devices and platforms in the hopes of leveraging the music industry to bring in new users while helping out budding artists by providing a huge audience.
"The Ignition program is designed to help artists connect with a substantial consumer audience. Consumers are looking for ways to find new music, and Ignition helps connect artists with potential new fans by giving them multiple opportunities to listen to, watch, or read about the artist across Microsoft"s online platforms," said Microsoft"s director of music marketing Christina Callo.
On the Xbox 360 front, Xbox Live members have enjoyed some occasional music videos via the "Artist of the Month" promotions, but Ignition will likely offer a more expansive offering of content. The UK"s Maxïmo Park will be the first group to be promoted; their album Our Earthly Pleasures and the single "Our Velocity" will mark the first available free downloads for the Ignition system and will be available via the Zune Marketplace and the Xbox Live Marketplace.