Microsoft is rumoured to have set a launch date for its forthcoming Spotify challenger Xbox Music, with the streaming service reportedly set to be introduced on 26 October.

Despite its name, Xbox Music may not be limited to the software giant’s gaming consoles, with reports also suggesting that it will be launched for Windows Phone handsets along with computers running Windows 8.

Employing a similar model to that of Spotify, Xbox Music will work on either a free, ad-supported or subscription  basis. Earlier reports have suggested that a monthly pass for Xbox Music will cost £8.99, with an annual subscription costing £89.

Spotify has been available to desktop and mobile users for several years now, with apps supported by major platforms like iOS and Android along with Windows Phone, BlackBerry OS and even Symbian. However, the free version of Spotify is not available on smartphones with users having to sign-up for a full £10 per month subscription.

Microsoft is also said to be making Xbox Music fully compatible with SkyDrive, the firm’s cloud-storage service, allowing tracks and playlists to be stored offline. The company itself has previously announced that users will have access to a library of more than 30 million songs.

Although no timeframe has been confirmed, Microsoft is also rumoured to be planning to bring Xbox Music to Android and iOS devices at some point in the near future.