Developers Can Now Build Xbox Music App with Deep Integration to the Service

Xbox Music though popular in US, still isn’t a big success with a lot of rival music services. Not to mention Xbox Music App has been doing terribly until the recent update. So the baseline that goes for the Music service from Microsoft is that it still doesn’t attract a lot of customers.

So the Xbox Music team made a big announcement last week, which allows developers to do two things. One, it can integrate their app with Xbox Music service via API’s and user their creativity to develop better music app. As a matter of fact, there are better apps already and all they need is implement the API.

Imagine, if a developer can get a universal app done, you go where the Windows Customer goes!!.

Second, so the developers can make some money, an affiliate program is rolled out. One of the API allows developers to show preview of songs from the Xbox Music 38 million track catalog available in 23 countries, if somebody buys the song using that link, developer gets paid. The developers can earn 5% share on purchases and 10 percent on all music pass payments for the lifetime of the subscription.

What New API has to Offer ?

The new API will give open access to the following features:

Access to 38 million track catalog, where you can search for artists, albums and tracks and the album cover as well.

Deep-links into existing Xbox Music applications.
Access to user authenticated features of Xbox Music.
Read access to the subscriber’s music library and playlists, add new music content or create new playlists.
Full access to 30 second MP3 previews for entire catalog
Allow access to full track streaming for Xbox Music Pass subscribers.

Final Thoughts

It’s a great move IMO as Xbox Music Team is lagging heavily on delivering better app which can bring in more features. Even though the app has been decoupled from the system, opening up APIs will help developers make even better music app and integrate further which will promote the Xbox Music service.

It’s a Win-Win situation for all. I hope Microsoft opens up more APIs in future.