Zune Marketplace, the Xbox 360 service for music and video, will be retired during the console's next firmware update.

Starting August 22, the marketplace will be closed, with Xbox Video and Xbox Music to take its place. Users with remaining credit for the Zune Marketplace are encouraged to use it before August 22.

Users with an Xbox Music Pass will still have access to unlimited music streaming, as well as any music, movies or TV shows they have purchased. Meanwhile, those on the original Zune Music Pass will still be able to download 10 songs per month.

Xbox apps including Xbox Video and Xbox Music will provide movie rentals, purchases, and music streaming respectively. These apps can be used on Windows 8 PCs and tablets, as well as the Xbox One.

A forthcoming firmware update will also phase out the Microsoft Points system, meaning all purchases on both Xbox 360 and Xbox One will use real-world currency.

Similarly, Microsoft will also phase out Xbox Live Gold Family Packs, following news that a single Xbox Live Gold account can be used by an entire household on Xbox One.

Posted: Aug 19, 2013 7:12 am
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/424987/zune-marketplace-to-be-retired-in-next-xbox-360-update/