Zune Takes Music Discovery to the Next Level With New Ways to Find and Access Digital Music [Archive]

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Jason Dunn

09-08-2008, 09:31 PM

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2008/sep08/09-08ZuneFallUpdatePR.mspx' target='_blank'>http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/...llUpdatePR.mspx</a> </div><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/zt/auto/1220905604.usr1.jpg" border="1" />It's official: the big Zune update we've been hearing about has been officially announced <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2008/sep08/09-08ZuneFallUpdatePR.mspx" target="_blank">with this press release</a>:"REDMOND, Wash. - Sept. 8, 2008 - Zune, Microsoft Corp.'s end-to-end music and entertainment service, again revolutionizes how customers discover and connect to the music they love, where and how they want it. Starting next week, every Zune portable media player will let consumers wirelessly download or stream millions of songs on the go from thousands of wireless hot spots around the country. Free, powerful software and firmware updates will give Zune owners the ability to discover, tag and purchase songs directly from the built-in FM radio, wirelessly access the Zune Marketplace store on the go, and tap into interactive, personalized music recommendations that add even more value to the Zune Pass subscription. Zune is also expanding its device lineup with new 16GB and 120GB capacities as well as shiny new blue-on-silver and sleek all-black color schemes. The new features will begin rolling out on Sept. 16, 2008."<MORE />"Digital music services really come alive when they help people find not only the music they know they like, but the music they didn't know they would love," said Chris Stephenson, general manager of Global Marketing for Zune at Microsoft. "With the combination of subscription, wireless access to millions of tracks, and powerful discovery features like personal recommendations and the ability to buy music from FM radio, Zune is taking the digital music experience to the next level."Wireless ConnectionsMore than 61 percent of people say they discover new music by listening to the radio. (1) With that in mind, Zune is taking advantage of the wireless connection and the built-in FM tuner to deliver a new feature called Buy from FM, which lets customers tag and purchase songs they hear on FM radio stations (2) directly from the Zune device. When the customer is in a Wi-Fi hot spot, the song can be immediately downloaded to the Zune device. If Wi-Fi is not available, the device will have a queue of songs ready to download when connected to a home computer or in a hot spot. Buy from FM uses Radio Data System and RT+ data feeds within the FM broadcast frequencies that identify song and artist data and enable the Zune service to identify and deliver the track to the customer.In addition, users can now access the Zune Marketplace music store directly from their device when they are in a recognized Wi-Fi hot spot, or through a home wireless network. To make it easy to discover music on the go, customers can browse lists of featured new releases and top songs and albums sorted by genre, or use the on-screen keypad to type in the song of their choice. Once they have picked a track or album, they can either download it or stream it directly to the Zune device.Zune customers have a choice in how they acquire music: They can pay per track or choose a Zune Pass subscription. Zune Pass subscribers can download or stream music to the device or their computer interchangeably, all for a flat rate of $14.99 per month. So whether a device has 4 GB or 120 GB of storage, Zune Pass customers can access and stream millions of songs directly to their Zune.More Ways to Discover Music: Channels and PicksThe new Zune software update taps expert sources, recommendations from the Zune service and online music community, and the user's own play data to create a dynamic, digital music experience where discovering music is easy and seamless.• Channels. Channels are an exciting new tool for music discovery. Customers can explore channels programmed by experts from the music industry such as the Billboard Top 100, The FADER magazine and KEXP radio, in addition to workout-themed channels tailored for high, medium and low impact, and top chart channels from all genres and subgenres. The powerful Zune software will even create custom channels for each user, based on favorite artists and genres. Channels are included with a monthly Zune Pass subscription and can be synced to the device for playback on the go. For non-Zune Pass subscribers, the Channels are available for a la carte purchase.• Personal Picks. Now the Zune software learns what kind of music users like and makes personal recommendations. When users log onto Zune Marketplace, they'll find a new area called Picks where the Zune recommendation algorithm will suggest artists, albums and tracks based on the music they have been listening to, as well as channels they might like and listeners like them in the Zune Social. • The Zune Social online music community. Customers can connect with millions of like-minded fans and share music via the Zune Card, a real-time playlist of each user's favorite and recently played tracks that can be accessed on the Web or within the Zune software, or synced to the Zune device. Zune Pass subscribers can play full tracks from Zune Cards synced to their device while on the go, and now the playlists will even automatically update with the most recently played tracks when Zune connects to a wireless hot spot. It's like subscribing to a free feed of music from the sources people trust most - their friends.Powerful SoftwareThe Zune PC software is a free download at http://www.zune.net that provides rich discovery and media management capabilities to help consumers make the most of their existing music collections, in addition to providing access to the Zune Social and Zune Marketplace so they can add to it. • Mixview. Customers can select an artist, album or Zune Card to activate a dynamic, visual mosaic of related music and listeners. With each click users can take the view in a new direction, creating a fun, graphical way to discover new music. Mixview works with users' current collection of music, in addition to tracks and albums from across the Zune Marketplace. • Now Playing. The improved Now Playing view is more interactive and cinematic. Users can sit back and enjoy the combination of great artist imagery, colorful effects, bio information and data from the Zune online music community, all combined in a full-screen view. They can also click to dive deeper into the music behind the picture, providing another great way to interact with their collection.• A new firmware update will also improve the experience on the Zune device. In addition to the new wireless functionality, Zune will bring new features customers have been asking for:• Games on the go. Two free games, "Hexic" and "Texas Hold 'Em," will keep users entertained on the go.• Audiobooks. All Zune devices will feature support for audiobooks this fall from industry leaders in the digital distribution of audiobook content.• Audible. Customers can visit audible.com to download and sync favorite books from the 50,000 titles available from over 600 publishers and content providers.• OverDrive. They can download content from sites powered by overdrive.com, including 7,500 libraries' Web sites worldwide. (http://search.overdrive.com)Device Pricing Information Effective Sept. 16120 GB: $249.9980 GB: $229.99 (3)16 GB: $199.008 GB: $149.994 GB: $129.99 (3)More information on Zune and related images is available at http://www.zune.net/press.(1) According to a Kelton Research study sponsored by Zune (April 2008) (2) The song needs to be available in Zune Marketplace for consumers to purchase it. If it is not available, but the radio station is broadcasting the song’s meta data, consumers can tag the song (so they can remember the name and artist), but will not be able to purchase it.(3) There are a limited number of 80GB and 4GB devices remaining in the channel, and those that are will be available at this price.

Chris Gohlke

09-08-2008, 09:57 PM

Not explicitly stated (or I missed it). Is the software update available for all Zunes, ie Gen 1 30 GBs or only newer ones? If it is even for the older ones, I've got to take my hat of to Microsoft for looking out for their established base.

rmarch

09-08-2008, 09:59 PM

Personal music player are a very personal matter - but with this update Zune simply is untouchable for me. I currently have a Zune 8 and think it is great, but needed a few key things to make it perfect. This update simply blows the doors off my expectations!

To give you an idea how packed this update is, what I thought would be a big feature (Audible support!!!) is relegated to a near footnote.

I am a subscriptionaholic and the Zune absolutely knocked it out of the park with this feature set in combination with a Zune Pass. Looks like my son will be getting my Zune 8 as I make room for a Zune 16 and a Zune 120 for my wife! All three on a single subscription.

Thanks Zune Team

riley4077

09-08-2008, 10:17 PM

Gotta say this is a great update...But

Does updating music over wi-fi also include podcasts? I have to believe it does but I'm wondering since it's not spelled out.

also, is variable speed playback even on the radar for this device. I've found this a must have feature, thus, I use my trusty Ipaq 2210 and PocketPlayer to get variable speed playback for my dozens of podcasts.

Any thoughts Jason. Please pass this request on.

Thanks

Adam Krebs

09-08-2008, 10:59 PM

The 3.0 firmware is available for all Zune devices; 30, 4/8/16, and 80/120. Plus, each Zune finally gets *drumroll*.... a clock!

http://www.zunerama.com/2008/09/zune-30-firmware-will-update-all-zune-players

trolane

09-08-2008, 11:32 PM

All I want is the ability to have new albums from people in my library auto download when they are released.
It's too hard to track who has new music out.

David Tucker

09-08-2008, 11:32 PM

Oh good...now Jason can stop complaining about it! :D

Jason Dunn

09-08-2008, 11:46 PM

Is the software update available for all Zunes, ie Gen 1 30 GBs or only newer ones? If it is even for the older ones, I've got to take my hat of to Microsoft for looking out for their established base.

Then take off your hat, because yes, ALL Zunes will get this software update! :D

Jason Dunn

09-08-2008, 11:49 PM

Does updating music over wi-fi also include podcasts? I have to believe it does but I'm wondering since it's not spelled out.

Nope, it's music only. :( They know people want to use this for podcasts, so I'm betting it's going to come next, but right now it's music only.

also, is variable speed playback even on the radar for this device.

We asked about this, and they know some people want it, but it's not part of this release. Perhaps for the future...

Jason Dunn

09-08-2008, 11:59 PM

All I want is the ability to have new albums from people in my library auto download when they are released.

It won't auto download, but there's a new part of the Zune desktop software that will list new tracks for your favourite artists...once the software is released on the 16th it will make more sense. :o

dions30

09-09-2008, 12:23 AM

Will their be a GRAND stage announcement tomorrow (tuesday) ? An UI changes? WHat about the desktop client will their be any added speed boosters to the software? Any thing new period with the Zune desktop client (what is the offical name of it? Zune marketplace? Zune software? Zune ????) Is their anything else that isn't listed going to be announced?

Darius Wey

09-09-2008, 01:21 AM

Considering not every FM station is RDS-enabled, I'm starting to think the "Buy from FM" feature would have benefited from Shazam-like recognition support. Oh well, baby steps. ;)

Darius Wey

09-09-2008, 01:29 AM

Oh good...now Jason can stop complaining about it! :D

Oh, you can add me to the list, too. I've complained plenty, although not as publicly as Jason. Who wears watches these days? ;)

riley4077

09-09-2008, 02:29 AM

Nope, it's music only. :( They know people want to use this for podcasts, so I'm betting it's going to come next, but right now it's music only.

We asked about this, and they know some people want it, but it's not part of this release. Perhaps for the future...

Oh well, but, I'm glad their listening.

Thanks for taking our questions straight to the MS Zune Team!!!

David Tucker

09-09-2008, 03:31 AM

Oh, you can add me to the list, too. I've complained plenty, although not as publicly as Jason. Who wears watches these days? ;)

I love my watch! :p

cannedsoda

09-09-2008, 04:45 AM

Will there be support to sync ATSC from VMC (encoded in DD)?

Will there still be content conversion when syncing from VMC?

nook

09-09-2008, 05:00 AM

How long till the ipod fanboys come in and try to say that somehow Microsoft copied the ipod on these updates. Or will say the inevitable "Zune is dead" comment. I bet the Zune tattoo guy is kicking himself in the ass. And there's a lot of it to kick!!!! I think this may be just what the doctor ordered to push the Zune marketshare a little. I know Zune might not ever overtake the iClod, but with the way it's going, they might make them a little nervous. :0)

Darius Wey

09-09-2008, 06:17 AM

I think this may be just what the doctor ordered to push the Zune marketshare a little. I know Zune might not ever overtake the iClod, but with the way it's going, they might make them a little nervous. :0)

The reality is Zune won't be going anywhere as long as it remains in North America; Apple knows this - just look at the iPod, and also how the iPhone has evolved since day one. It's unfortunate because Microsoft has added some excellent features to the Zune, and the rest of the world is waiting to experience it. In fact, they've been waiting for over a year now.

That aside, I believe the next step for Microsoft is to take the gaming aspect of the Zune to the next level. Microsoft has an outstanding gaming platform that Apple, and heck, not even Nintendo or Sony, can boast - that's Xbox Live. It's a strong foundation to work from. First, integrate Xbox Live Marketplace and Zune Marketplace. Second, introduce Live Anywhere and let those achievements on the Zune extend over to the Xbox, and vice versa. Third, sell more Xbox 360 and Zune bundles.

Then, the Zune won't just be a music device, and it won't just be a gaming device either. It'll be the social device that Microsoft has been trying to push all along. That's when it'll start flying off shelves - or at least one would hope.

Janak Parekh

09-09-2008, 09:44 PM

How long till the ipod fanboys come in and try to say that somehow Microsoft copied the ipod on these updates. Quite frankly, Microsoft easily trumped Apple's announcements today, and this is coming from someone who owns several Macs, iPods, and an iPhone. The ability to download or stream music over Zune Pass is killer (and about freakin' time!).

However, in addition to international availability... Apple knows how to market and to get everyone watching what they're doing. I'm not sure the Zune will still get the same kind of brand recognition.

Also, did you notice Apple dropped the 160GB iPod? Now I have a good hypothesis for why Microsoft stuck with the 120GB: cost and lack of interest in the 160GB capacity/formfactor. Zune and iPod's top capacities are in parity, which is pretty cool.

I think this may be just what the doctor ordered to push the Zune marketshare a little. I know Zune might not ever overtake the iClod, but with the way it's going, they might make them a little nervous. :0) Why the derogatory terminology? And, I don't think there's any reason to be "nervous". Having a competitive Zune is good; Apple can use a kick in the pants now and then.

--janak

inteller

09-11-2008, 02:03 PM

Considering not every FM station is RDS-enabled, I'm starting to think the "Buy from FM" feature would have benefited from Shazam-like recognition support. Oh well, baby steps. ;)

even the crappiest stations in my market have RDS now. Now some of them do not implement it correctly, which will be a problem for that feature to figure out. Some like to broadcast their slogans the whole time and not pass the song and artist info.

timmy

09-11-2008, 06:46 PM

The reality is Zune won't be going anywhere as long as it remains in North America

True! One big difference between Zune and iPod (among others of course) is the FM capability which I really want.

But with Microsofts approach, my only option (if I want a media player with good software support), is to buy .... an iPod with FM remote... Too bad, I would have got one of those new Zunes in a snap if they were available here.

Jason Dunn

09-11-2008, 11:08 PM

My full event report is now live:

http://www.zunethoughts.com/news/show/90574

If, after reading it you have more questions, please post them in that thread. Thanks! :)