Liveside.net has reported that a user in the UK has been able to access a screen for the Zune Pass subscription service. This is important because Zune Pass has only been available to US consumers and maybe some in Canada, I’ll have to double check that last one though.
For those unaware of the service, Zune Pass is essentially a subscription music service from Zune which allows its users to have ‘a la carte’ access to millions of songs, anywhere, anytime. Users can even populate their Zune with songs not located on their player by use of streaming through wifi.
While the user was not able to officially get the subscription trial to work, this is probably a glimpse of what Microsoft plans to roll out, especially with its Windows Phone 7 on the horizon. Since the Zune HD was officially only available in select areas, there was no reason for Microsoft to enable Zune Pass for users in other countries, but since Windows Phone will have the Zune Software and a much broader international reach, this move makes perfect sense. Here is the screenshot the user provided Liveside:
Credit: Liveside.net
While I believe this is the next logical progression in the Zune service, please take this news with a grain of salt since Microsoft has not confirmed the new rollout.
I’m a Zune HD user and have Zune Pass, so the idea of a broader rollout is very good news. Do we have any UK or users in other countries who have seen or heard about coming availability for Microsoft’s Zune Pass?
Sources: Engadget, Liveside.net
