Xbox Music Expands in Advance of Xbox One Launch
Microsoft Corp.’s all-in-one music service, Xbox Music announced its plans to bring Xbox Music to iOS and Android devices, as well as free streaming on Xbox Music via the web. Xbox Music is designed to connect users various music services by combining the best of all music offerings with free streaming on the web and on Windows 8 PCs and tablets, internet radio, subscription (called Xbox Music Pass), and download-to-own options. With this news, access to Xbox Music grows to include iOS and Android devices, as well as a free Web-based interface on computers.
“Xbox Music now powers music experiences between Windows 8, Xbox, Windows Phone, and now iOS, Android and the Web,” said Jerry Johnson, general manager of Xbox Music, in a statement. “We’re also excited to connect artists with their fans on the most anticipated consumer product of the year when Xbox One launches November 22.”
Xbox Music will grow on Windows 8 when it adds the Web Playlist tool this fall. The tool scans all the artists and music available on a given web page and creates a custom playlist of all that music. It creates an instant, custom playlist inside Xbox Music with the simple touch of a button. Web Playlist along with Windows 8.1 will be released October 17.
Retail Jobs Added in August
The National Retail Federation (NRF) calculated that retail industry job gains were 43,600 in August, with marked increases in clothing, general merchandise, and electronics stores.
“The economy continues to sputter along,” said NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay in a statement. “Employers and retailers are adding to their payrolls and ranks, but still remain guarded. The business community is hiring yet waiting for stronger signs of sustained economic growth before extending too many job offers.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Situation Report showed that the economy added 169,000 jobs in August, which lowered the unemployment rate to a reported 7.3 percent.
LEGO Becomes No. 2 Toymaker
Bloomberg.com reported last week, that LEGO’s first-half revenue rose to $1.84 billion, according to a statement published by the toymaker. The article reports that, “LEGO’s first-half sales were higher than those of Hasbro which reported sales of $1.43 billion. Mattel reported a 4 percent advance in first half revenue to $2.16 billion.”
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