Earlier this year, Microsoft relaunched its Xbox Music product as Groove, and since then, the company has been making improvements and adding new features, including support for Sonos speakers. Today, the Groove platform has picked up another major addition, as Microsoft announced that iHeartRadio is being integrated into its Windows 10 music app.
iHeartRadio is a leading music streaming and digital radio service, which includes thousands of live radio stations from across the United States covering a wide range of genres, along with the ability to "create custom stations from more than 20 million songs and 800,000 artists".
iHeartRadio will now be available within the Groove music app, as an "exclusive experience on Windows 10". As Microsoft explains:
To enjoy iHeartRadio without a Groove Music Pass*, simply go to the artist’s page that best fits yourmood. If there’s an artist-based custom radio station available from iHeartRadio, you will see the option right on the page. Click on it whenever you’re ready to listen – we will even help you install the iHeartRadio app if you don’t currently have it – and then just lean back and enjoy your station.
*Groove Music Pass sold separately and in selected markets.
Microsoft's Todd Brix, General Manager of the Windows Store and Developer Marketing, said today: “We are thrilled to bring iHeartRadio to Groove and create a complete, end to end music experience for Windows 10 consumers. Groove delivers one place to access your music, your radio stations and your premium subscription music.”
Microsoft made several references today to Groove being a central resource for all of your music needs. In addition to the comments made by Brix, Microsoft's blog post also stated: "Groove unifies all the music in your life and gives you new ways to discover the music that moves you." With iHeartRadio becoming the first partner to integrate its music services directly into Groove, it seems that Microsoft may be returning to the idea of 'Hubs' in its operating system.
Source: Windows Blog / Groove
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