If you love music and just happen to be in the market for a new smartphone, Microsoft has a deal that you might be interested in. Through February 17, the Redmond-based company is offering a contract-free AT&T Nokia Lumia 520 or T-Mobile Nokia Lumia 521 to anyone that buys a one-year Xbox Music Pass.
A 12-month Xbox Music Pass will set you back $99 while a Lumia 520 or 521 would cost around $120 off-contract so paying less than $100 for the package is certainly a solid deal. At that price point, the phones naturally aren't the fastest on the market but that doesn't mean they aren't successful. Combined, they're the best selling Windows devices worldwide.
In the event you don't really need a new smartphone, there are several other options for the handset. Either would make an excellent backup / emergency cellular, a great phone for a teenager, a solid standalone music player or at the very least, one could sell the handset and essentially get a free year of Xbox Music for the effort.
Microsoft launched Xbox Music in October 2012 as the successor to the company's Zune line of products. The service offers ad-supported streaming, subscription streaming and song purchases through the Xbox Music Store. Contrary to its name, the service can be accessed via Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows Phone 8, Android and iOS in addition to the Xbox 360 and the Xbox One.