September 8th, 2008
Update: Microsoft finally adds WiFi store to the Zune with Zune 3.0
The day before we expect Apple to announce new iPod devices and an update to iTunes, Microsoft is apparently announcing (Michael Gartenberg has the only confirmed news I could find) new Zune hardware and the Zune 3.0 software updates. There are no official press releases posted yet, but I have to say it is great to finally see a WiFi accessible store front on the Zune, along with FM radio improvements.
The new hardware consists of 120GB hard drive (US$249) and 16GB flash drive (US$199) models, with the same basic form factor and functionality as the Zune 2 hardware released several months ago. New colors include all black and blue/silver for the flash-based models.
The ability to purchase songs or add songs from your Zune pass subscription right from the device is what I wanted to see when the Zune was originally launched with the WiFi radio. It is too bad that Microsoft now looks a bit like a copycat since you can purchase and browse the iTunes store on your iPhone and iPod Touch already. I used to use a Sandisk Sansa Connect to access and download Yahoo! Music subscription songs, but now that Yahoo! Music is gone the Zune looks like a good alternative for subscription music fans. I actually just charged up my 4GB Zune as I start my workout regime again and may reconsider the Zune pass subscription.
Another nice addition to the latest Zune software is the ability to select a song for purchase that you hear on the radio. This sounds a lot like the functionality you can get now with Pandora and Last.fm on the iPhone/iPod Touch and is a welcome addition. The major difference is that the Zune FM radio does not require a data connection so you can enjoy the radio anywhere you may be listening to your device.
According to Michael, other additions include two free games (Texas Hold ‘Em and Hexic) and support for Audible books.
Zunerama has lots of information on the new Zune hardware and they are in Redmond with a bunch of other Zune enthusiasts right now so we can expect the official Microsoft announcement soon for these new Zune devices and Zune software update.
UPDATE: Here is a link to the official Microsoft press release. Note that the software and new devices are slated to be available on Tuesday, 16 September.
Matthew Miller is an avid mobile device enthusiast who works during the day as a professional naval architect in Seattle. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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