Microsoft could launch a streaming music service for Xbox Live "imminently", it has been suggested.
Speaking to the Telegraph, executive producer of Microsoft MSN Peter Bale explained that the service would be similar to the Spotify music service.
Crucially for gamers, he hinted that the service could be available on the Xbox 360 console.
He told the newspaper: "Music is an important area for Microsoft. We are looking at launching a music streaming service imminently.
"We are looking at how other similar businesses have structured their business models and trying to figure out what will work best for both consumer and Microsoft."
The Xbox 360 console appears to be particularly popular during the recession.
Director of product management for Xbox 360 Aaron Greenberg told Team Xbox’s news team that the Xbox 360 is the only console seeing growth "year-over-year".
He added: "We are also the fastest growing system right now in the top five European markets."