Microsoft allows Brits to access Zune Pass

STILL ASPIRING MUSIC MOGOL Microsoft is bringing its all you can eat music service, Zune Pass, to the UK.

The service, which is a rival to Apple's Itunes and Amazon's MP3 store, has until now been limited, like its Zune music player, to the US. Now users here in Blighty are able to sign up for the service, which promises "unlimited access to music" for a fixed monthly fee.

Before Microsoft's legions of Zune users get too excited, it seems that while you might be able to subscribe to the music service, Brits cannot stream music to the Zune software. Those hoping to actually listen to music they had paid for can do so by changing their machine's locale to the US.

It's clear that Microsoft hasn't quite ironed out the bugs prior to its roll out as users have found that certain tracks won't stream. The most likely cause is the licensing agreements negotiated with the greedy music labels.

This move would have ignited hope that Microsoft will finally start selling its under-rated music player in Europe. Instead, with the launch of Windows Phone 7 approaching, it's unlikely to ever see the light of day outside the US and Canada.

Zune Pass will be included with Windows Phone 7, however Microsoft is posturing to get its service up and running before that sure-fire sales blockbuster hits later this year. µ