Microsoft switching off Groove Music app for Android, iOS

Microsoft retired its Groove Music streaming service last year, but promised to keep the app active for Windows 10 users.

However, that will not continue for iOS and Android users.

“We’re notifying customers that on December 1, 2018, the Groove Music iOS and Android apps will also be retired and, effective June 1, are no longer available for download,” says a Microsoft spokesperson in a statement to The Verge.

The Groove apps for Windows 10, Xbox, and Windows Phone won’t be affected.

When it shut down its store, Microsoft suggested that users turn to Spotify as an alternative.

This time it is suggesting users look at Google Play Music and iTunes Match.

In 2004, Microsoft tried to take on Apple’s iTunes with MSN Music.

But two years later it closed it down and almost immediately began Zune Music.

That was rebranded to Xbox Music in 2012, and became Groove Music in 2015.