Thursday, May 10,2007 @ 11:40am
Zune to get direct music downloads, more?
Microsoft is devising both a more video-friendly Zune as well as major updates to the original's software, according to sources within the company. While the company has reportedly demonstrated a flash-based Zune to developers with little impact, the main hard drive based jukebox will also receive a significant makeover. It should have a larger display better suited to watching movies and should see the first capacity upgrade since the 30GB version introduced in November.
All versions will get software that makes much stronger use of the internal Wi-Fi adapter, a source with access to beta software says. A test version of the Zune's interface now allows more than just the Zune-to-Zune temporary sharing and will let owners download songs directly from the Zune Marketplace through most nearby accessible Wi-Fi points, potentially beating Apple to the feature. Zune owners would still need to load their systems using Microsoft points bought through the Xbox Live or Zune stores, the contact indicates.
No release dates for either the software upgrade or the new players has been revealed. However, Microsoft Zune marketer Chris Stephenson has already suggested that his company would expand the Zune line in time for the holiday season. [via iLounge and Engadget]
