If you’ve installed Windows Phone 8.1, the free update that all Windows Phone 8 devices will get over the next few months, you know that the version of Xbox Music that was made available with it is outright lousy by most accounts. Last week Microsoft announced that it’d be releasing an update for the app this week and pushing out updates for the app every two weeks. That first update, is now available in the Windows Phone Store.
The refreshed version of Xbox Music started rolling out just a few hours ago. Last week Microsoft said that the update would include performance fixes and the ability to start playlists with Cortana, Windows Phone 8.1’s new voice assistant. The update was also expected to include background collection updating so that the app wasn’t as slow as it had been after performing the update initially. Unfortunately, Microsoft didn’t chose to include a detailed change log with today’s update.
You can head to the Windows Phone Store on your Windows Phone 8.1-equipped device now by manually triggering the update. If you have automatic updates setup on your device you’ll get the new Xbox Music app automatically.
I was a bit dissapointed with this release. In all fairness, it seems quicker, but is that due to the fact, that the annoying “Loading…” was removed and replaced with a blank? Smart move but the waiting in the collection lists still annoys me.
As for Cortana, I could ask Cortana to play an artist, random play, and even playlists before the update. Or am I missing something?
On another note, thanks for this site. Refreshing to see such a dedicated site. Being an avid Zune/XboxM Pass user for years, I feel slightly lees alone with my passion for music, social, and connectivity. Hopefully my grandfathered Zune Pass including 10 downlods per month will never end.
Hi Bo,
As long as you keep reading we’ll writing good sir.
You’re not wrong about the Cortana stuff. I’m told the biggest difference is simply that you can now ask her to play specific playlists in addition to other things.
I gave the app a whirl again this weekend after the update and I still find it to be a pretty poor experience.