New Zune Software Update Makes it Even Easier to Get the Music you Want

Buying from FM allows users to download songs that they hear on a local radio station directly through a Wi-Fi hotspot. If not connected you can add the song to your buy queue and it will be downloaded when available.

The software uses the Radio Data System and RT+ to identify artist and song title. Additionally, with the latest update, users can access the Zune Marketplace right from the Zune while it is connected to a Wi-fi hotspot or home wireless network and browse, search and download or stream new music. Users can also browse lists of featured new releases, top songs and new albums sorted by genre.

Whether you buy on a track-by-track basis or choose a Zune pass for $14.99, users will be able to track down the new tracks you want. Getting tired of the same old songs , but aren't sure how to find new songs that suit your tastes? That is no longer a problem with Channels and Picks. Channels are song lists maintained by industry experts including Billboard, FADER magazine and KEXP radio. Genres, sub-genres and even workout-themed lists are included.

Picks are where the software itself picks tracks you might like based on your listening, purchasing habits and preferences. Albums, songs and artists will all be part of the picks. You can also make your favorites lists and share them with others thanks to the new Zune Social community features. Other features include an improved Now Playing area, Games (including Hexic and Texas Hold 'Em), and Audiobook support from audible.com and overdrive.com. Microsoft recently changed pricing on the entire Zune series of players. New Prices are as follows: 120 GB for $249.99, 80 GB for $229.99, 16 GB for $199.00, 8 GB for $149.99 and 4 GB: $129.99.

With the holiday season creeping up the Zune is being positioned as a strong opponent to the current heavyweight champion iPod and iTunes combination from rival Apple with the new pricing and the new feature-rich software and firmware.