According to Microsoft, starting next week, Zune players will offer those who’ve not yet returned Aunt Tilly’s gift mistake for store credit the ability wirelessly download or stream songs from wireless hot spots. Free software and firmware updates will give Zune owners the ability to discover, tag and purchase songs directly from the Zune’s static-prone built-in FM radio, wirelessly access the Zune Marketplace store and its rip-off “points” system, and tap into “personalized music recommendations.” Yawn.
Zune is also expanding its device lineup with 16GB and 120GB capacities as well as “blue-on-silver” and “all-black” colors in the same old 2nd-generation Zune case “designs.” The new features won’t begin rolling out until Sept. 16, 2008, but Microsoft knows that by this time tomorrow, Apple will have debuted their iPod lineup for the holiday shopping season, so Redmond has rushed out yet another press release extolling vapor with the vain hope that they can sell a Zune or two, which would effectively double or triple their current sales total to date.
Zune will finally bring games on the go to the device which is rarely, if ever, seen in public outside of a dusty display case. Two free games, “Hexic” and “Texas Hold ’Em,” will keep all three Zune users entertained. All Zune devices will also feature support for audiobooks this fall. Is this when the “wow” is supposed to start?
The amount Microsoft hopes to charge for Zune Devices (effective Sept. 16):
• 120 GB: $249.99
• 80 GB: $229.99
• 16 GB: $199.00
• 8 GB: $149.99
• 4 GB: $129.99
The fiasco continues… for now.