Microsoft puts an end to Groove, hands users over to Spotify

Microsoft is discontinuing its Groove Music Pass streaming service on 31 December 2017 and will be partnering with Spotify to provide music streaming. According to a post by Microsoft, the option to purchase, stream and download music via Groove Music will be discontinued at the end of the year.The partnership was formed to provide users with the "best" streaming experience, a myriad of music options and a range of subscriptions, Jerry Johnson, general manager, Microsoft Groove, wrote in a blog post. He added that partnering with "industry leaders" such as Spotify allows Microsoft to offer consumers with music they want and concentrate on new and "innovative" ways to experience music.Current users are able to migrate their curated playlists and music collection from Groove directly into Spotify until 31 January 2018. While the Groove Music app will no longer stream or play any Groove Music Pass content, it will continue to play all music files that have been purchased and downloaded or uploaded onto OneDrive after 31 December.In addition to Spotify, the Windows Store also offers other music services that allow users to download or stream their favourite songs, such as iHeartRadio, Pandora and SiriusXM.