Microsoft shifted gears with its Zune Pass music subscription service and is now letting users keep ten songs a month. Subscribers will be able to choose from DRM-free MP3 tracks from Universal Music and Sony BMG, along with copy protected songs from several other labels.

The ten song per month offer is included in the US$14.99 Zune Pass monthly subscription fee.

Despite the company’s small move towards an iTunes-like pay per track model, Microsoft and its partners insist that its subscription-based music model is best option for consumers. Simon Renshaw, chief executive officer of Strategic Artist Management, commented "The subscription model continues to redefine the digital music landscape, and today’s announcement is great news for consumers, artists and labels."

He did, however, add that letting Zune users buy the music they listen to instead of renting it is a "breakthrough offer," and said that it makes it easier for consumers "to discover new music and will encourage deeper engagement in the digital music space, and that is good for the entire industry."

Microsoft’s Zune media player and Zune Pass music subscription service trail far behind Apple’s iPod and iTunes Music Store. While Microsoft’s shift to allow users to keep at least a handful of the songs they pay for each month may help the company keep more of its subscribers, it won’t likely help the company steal away much market share from Apple.