Microsoft launched the official Zune.net website on Friday, announcing plans to phase out its existing MSN Music Store at the same time.

As of 14 November, Microsoft will no longer offer music downloads through the MSN Music Store.

Users clicking on the 'buy' button when selecting music from the MSN site will be redirected to the Zune site.

"You can get your music in two ways: à la carte downloads, or 'all you can eat' access with the Zune Pass. You're probably familiar with the single purchase option: pick your songs and pay as you go," said Microsoft.

"With a Zune Pass you can download as many songs as you like, listen to them on your computer or sync them to your Zune and take them with you."

If a user purchases a track with Microsoft Points, a new currency which the company is using across its Xbox Marketplace platform, the track can be synced to a Zune, ripped to a CD, or even sent to a friend's Zune on a demo basis.

Tracks purchased using a Zune Pass allow users to keep the songs for as long as they have the Pass, Microsoft said.