The free Xbox Music streaming you've been enjoying on Windows 8.1 and on the web will be discontinued on December 1st, 2014. This doesn't impact you if you're using the Xbox Music Pass, but those who have been streaming for free won't be able to do so much longer.

Why is the free streaming feature being discontinued? From Microsoft:

"We are focusing Xbox Music to deliver the ultimate music purchase and subscription service experience for our customers. With Xbox Music Pass, you have access to millions of songs on your PC, tablet, Xbox, phone, and the web. Download music for offline listening and create playlists that automatically sync across all your devices."

We've reached out to Microsoft to find out more about the retirement of free streaming.

Source: Microsoft{.nofollow}

Thanks for the tip Carlos!