Microsoft Quietly Pulls the Plug on Its Motion pictures and TV Retailer

Microsoft abruptly shut down its on-line film and TV retailer. On Friday, the tech big quietly up to date each its general and Xbox assist pages to mirror the modifications. Customers will not be capable of purchase new content material from Microsoft.com and the Microsoft Retailer on Home windows and Xbox. 

Fortunately, Microsoft says when you already personal motion pictures or exhibits by means of the shop you may nonetheless watch them through the Motion pictures & TV app on Xbox and Home windows units. Microsoft says technical assist may even proceed for points with any beforehand bought content material, not less than for now.

Sadly, Microsoft says it’s not offering any refunds or methods for customers to switch their libraries to different digital video companies. Nevertheless, U.S. customers can hyperlink choose titles to Motion pictures Anyplace, a platform that consolidates digital purchases from taking part retailers right into a single library.

Microsoft didn’t clarify why it abruptly shuttered the service. A spokesperson advised Gizmodo in an electronic mail that the corporate “has nothing additional to share presently.” 

The transfer seems like a quiet retreat from digital video, as video streaming companies like Netflix and Prime Video reign supreme. Microsoft’s assist web page even directs customers to make use of competing companies.

“The Xbox and Home windows shops produce other leisure companies that supply the newest residence leisure releases. The next transactional companies can be found right now: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Residence, amongst others,” the corporate mentioned. 

Xbox customers posted on Reddit that they began receiving notifications in regards to the change this morning.

“Microsoft Motion pictures & TV will not supply motion pictures or TV exhibits for buy. You’ll be able to proceed watching your beforehand bought and private movies on Xbox. Thanks for being a part of the Xbox neighborhood,” the notification mentioned, based on a screenshot on Reddit. 

Some Reddit customers additionally mentioned that they noticed this coming once they seen the variety of sale promotions on the shop began to dwindle in latest months. Others are nervous that the Motion pictures & TV app may even ultimately be shut down and that they could completely lose their bought movies. 

This isn’t the primary time Microsoft has backed out of digital media. It shut down its Zune music service in 2015, then closed its successor, Groove Music, in 2017, when it advised customers to move their playlists to Spotify.