
Microsoft is shipping new Zune gen3 models and with that comes a new version of the desktop software as well as new firmware, and features.
NEW FEATURES
‘Buy from FM’: concept here is that you hear a song using the built-in FM radio, you can then buy it later when you sync.
Problem is that the Zune needs to get the track/album/artist info from the radio station feed and many times the info is impartial if even present.
I got one song to show info, but it wasn’t available in the Zune marketplace.
Browsing of the ‘Zune Marketplace’ via wifi.
No need for a PC once the thing is setup.
I think this would be especially nice for download while traveling.
MS just announced a deal with McDonalds’ wifif infrastructure folks, Wayport, to allow Zune users free wifif at the ‘restaurants’ (9,800+)
I like this feature. It effectively streams song as well. Great addition.
‘Zune Channels’: prepackaged content for the Zune. Essentially playlists (virtual stations) that download the tracks if you have a Zune Pass. I have downloaded and synced channels and the content seems interesting. They need to allow users to easily created channels as virtual mixtapes for friends.
Games:
MS added games to V3 “Texas hold ’em” and “Hexic” come free, but I haven’t sen any other games available as of yet.
MS finally added support for audiobooks from Zune, Audible.com and OverDrive.
I’m not a big audiobook listener, but now they can at least say they have that feature (which iPods have had for some time).
And they added a clock too. Nice to have. Why wasn’t it there before?
I just downloaded and installed the Zune 3.0 desktop software.
It has some minor, but appreciated features.
All told, these new features mean my 30GB gen1 Zune (got it for $100 at woot.com) can not only sync to my music collection on my PC via wifi, but now I can purchase music via wifi.
DESKTOP
Refreshes much faster.
Look is a bit refined.
Things they still need to fix:
Managing downloads. You need to be able to sort, prioritize, drag to order, and have the abilityt to set the max bandwidth and/or number of files to download at a time. iTunes allows darg and drop ordering of downloads and has an easily accessible option to limit downloads to one file at a time. The software does now resume last downloads when it closes/crashes.
Overall, I am loving the new features and it makes me want a 120GB gen3 now 😉