The Zune replacement!



Looks like Microsoft is looking to preview a Zune replacement during E3. The service is codenamed 'Woodstock'.

According to The Verge, Microsoft will preview a new Xbox music service codenamed 'Woodstock', which will serve as the replacement of Zune.
Apparently, it will not only be available through the Xbox 360 dashboard, but will be cross-compatible for Windows 8, Android, and iOS through a browser!

Previously described as "Spotify-like", the service won't require any browser plugins and is said to integrate deeply with Facebook, allowing friends to build group playlists and share tracks. An additional "scan and match" function, similar to iTunes Match, is also being tested as part of Woodstock to allow users to identify their existing music collection in the service. Although Microsoft will preview the service at E3 — barring any last-minute changes in its plans, of course — it is not expected to launch until later this year alongside Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 devices.
There is no word on pricing yet, but, apparently, existing Zune Pass subscribers should be able to keep their subscription or migrate to the new service later this year.

According to the official MS statements, they won't unveil any new hardware at this year E3.

Will this be their only major surprise?

NEWS SOURCE #1: http://www.theverge.com/2012/4/25/29...dstock-e3-2012
NEWS SOURCE #2: http://www.vg247.com/2012/04/25/repo...med-woodstock/

Our thanks to 'Gauss' for this news story!