While Microsoft allows Windows 8.1 and web users to stream tunes for free on Xbox Music, those using the app on the Xbox 360 must pay a $9.99 monthly subscription fee on top of an Xbox Live Gold account to access the music.
It looks like those rules will remain the same for the Xbox One, which hits shelves later this month.
A few days ago, Microsoft’s head of product planning for Xbox One Albert Penello indicated on Twitter that the new console would feature an ad-supported free version of Xbox Music:
@Artemis_Rojo yes. You don't have to subscribe, but you will get periodic Ads.
— Albert Penello (@albertpenello) November 4, 2013
But on Wednesday morning, he corrected himself:
I was wrong about Music on XboxOne: You get 15 free song plays then need Music Pass for ad-free streaming. No ad-supported streaming. Sorry!
— Albert Penello (@albertpenello) November 6, 2013
It’s too bad for those of us planning to purchase an Xbox One and who don’t mind listening to music with a periodic ad or two. Looks like you’ll still need to pay $9.99 per month if you plan on streaming beats through Xbox Music on your new Xbox One.