Dell has announced that it has entered into an agreement to buy privately-held ZING Systems, a company that focuses on always-connected audio and entertainment devices. Dell plans to use ZING and its capabilities to continue improving the entertainment experiences it provides its customers.

ZING introduced itself in June of 2006, stating its plans to build “an audio and entertainment engine to drive a new generation of always-connected, mobile digital devices.” Since then, it has announced agreements with Sirius satellite network, FON, SanDisk and others.

While Apple has used a computer-centric model for its mobile media player development, ZING has focused on developing independent wireless functionality.

“Today‚Äôs portable audio devices are tethered to the PC and focused mostly on playback, limited in choice and personalization,” said CEO Tim Bucher. “What people really want to be able to do is enjoy digital content from one device, wherever they are. When you are always connected, the way you listen to music will dramatically change. ZING brings digital content to you and lets you stay tuned.”

Apple’s emphasis on devices that sync with computers has proven beneficial to the growth of podcasting. It’s created a very popular portable media platform that has very low barriers to entry for content providers. ZING’s platform may prove to be a more challenging environment for podcasters, because it emphasizes¬†satellite and streaming radio, which currently have higher barriers to entry.