Microsoft Announces Zune Updates, Free Wireless At McDonalds
Sep 16th, 2008 | By James Lewin | Category: General 
Microsoft today released a free software update that will bring new features to all Zune portable media players.
The new software will allow Zune users to:
- wirelessly stream and download music from the Zune Marketplace store on the go;
- tag and purchase songs directly from the built-in FM radio; and
- tap into new, personalized music recommendations and programming.
Microsoft also announced that it is working with high-speed Internet access provider Wayport to deliver Zune users free wireless access to the Zune Marketplace from more than 9,800 participating McDonald’s restaurants across the U.S.
Feedback and open letter to WegTalkRob (Manages Podcasts on the Zune Team) I love my Zune and this update has some great features in it. BUT…not much in the way of Podcast updates. I really think there are a handful of obvious podcast feature updates Microsoft should include, example playlist / queuing casts (some type of weekly scheduled option), ability to read full descriptions, and even some areas where you could innovate, think out of the box. I listen to podcasts on my Zune about 4 hours a day, more on weekends. It’s my main source of news and entertainment. – One more thing – the ability to have a RSS would be outstanding . Thank you!
Travis,
Zune is listening to your feedback and suggestions. You are correct that we did not do any new major feature updates this time around, but we did fix all of the nagging small bugs in the user experience around subscribing and collection. I am also working hard on building the catalog and making sure we have the best content. Rest assured that Zune is committed to podcasting on the Zune and will keep improving and innovating.
Thanks,
Rob Greenlee
Also check out the new Zune Insider podcast
at http://www.zuneinsider.com
Zune Podcast Lead
Rob – Glad to see that you’re working on this.
I was disappointed to see Microsoft talking about 6,000 podcasts still in its directory.
Is that accurate? I thought you’d have a lot more than that by now, with Apple touting 150,000 podcasts in their directory. Should we expect Microsoft to close that gap anytime soon?
This is awesome news. I don’t care if people download or stream my podcast as long as they are listening.
Dave Jackson
http://www.schoolofpodcasting.com
Rob,
Thank you so much for the response. I’ve noticed you on this site in the past. Please recognize that I think the current experience is great and I do appreciate the work you’ve done to keep great content in the marketplace and fixing the bugs. I understand the Zune demographic is 18 to 25 and appreciate that you offer content for us over 35. Keep up the good work and I’ll keeping listening/watching/reading the Zune Insider.
Tavis