Microsoft has retired its Groove Music streaming service and launched a new partnership with Spotify.

Microsoft’s Xbox Music was rebranded as Groove Music in 2015, but the company has now announced plans to discontinue Groove Music passes from December 31.

Groove Music Pass subscribers will be refunded pro-rata, and after December 31 the Groove Music app will no longer function for music streaming or purchasing and downloading songs.

Microsoft’s partnership with Spotify will enable Groove Music subscribers to migrate playlists across to the new platform, with subscribers given the option to move to Spotify.

The move comes after the two companies had been working on apps for Windows 10 and Xbox One.

Windows 10 users will still be able to access local MP3 files and those stored in OneDrive, but streaming will end on December 31, after which point Microsoft will direct users to Spotify.

For more information see, Microsoft’s blog post. Spotify recently announced plans to stage its first live concert in the UK, featuring performers including J Hus, Stefflon Don, Cardi B and more.

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