It’s not unusual for karaoke bars to charge patrons an hourly rate for the use of their business and equipment. However, Microsoft intends to bring this business model online to Xbox Live with its own upcoming Karaoke App.  The App will require users to buy “blocks” of singing time to participate. Specifically, Microsoft announced that users will need to pick between two, six, and 24-hour sessions. 

Unfortunately, beer and shots will not yet be available for purchase unless you want to give them to your avatar. 

The initial payment will grant users access to a library of over 8000 karaoke songs; this will be the pull for the app. Additionally, these songs will seamlessly stream to your Xbox 360, and can be added to a song queue on a supported smartphone, tablet, or computer. 

However, while Microsoft may just be attempting to keep up with Sony’s new Karaoke franchise, some people online seem tepid on the impending release of Microsoft’s venture into the sing-along world. 

“This is not going to fly, why do I need to pay for this?” wrote one commenter, “when I can just throw a song on youtube and Karaoke away?”

“8000 songs?... weak” remarked another potential buyer. 

However, many other commenters said they were looking forward to the release of the App. 

Microsoft has announced through  that that the app will be available for purchase, “by the holidays.” From PlayXBLA, “Karaoke fans will sing along to scrolling lyrics on screen while their avatar performs the song on stage with a full complement of stage props, backup band and an adoring audience. The more songs are sung and poses struck, the more moola, props, fans and fun are earned as achievements are awarded.”

The cost of the respective “blocks” has yet to be announced. 

Reach Staff Reporter Greg West here.