I don’t have an iPod or a Zune, I use my phone, a Samsung i760, as my portable media player. But if I needed a separate device to entertain me it would probably be a Zune. I like the look and feel of the Zune over the iPod.

Microsoft has released their new Zune firmware that upgrades all the Zune versions allowing the new functions to work. They aren’t forcing their users to update. Instead they are saying thanks for buying the Zune. I know you didn’t have to buy it so to show some appreciation have an update.

In all the markets that Microsoft has to compete in they treat their customers pretty well and their products are pretty strong. In the OS market where they don’t have to compete nearly as hard, they slack off and push out unfinished products.

From the Microsoft press release these are the new Zune features:

Zune, Microsoft Corp.’s end-to-end music and entertainment service, today released its much anticipated free software update that will bring new features to every Zune portable media player. Revealed last week, the new software will allow Zune users to wirelessly stream and download music from the Zune Marketplace store on the go; tag and purchase songs directly from the built-in FM radio; and tap into new, personalized music recommendations and programming. To allow customers to take full advantage of the new wireless functionality, Zune today announced that it is working with high-speed Internet access provider Wayport Inc. to deliver Zune users free, wireless access to the Zune Marketplace from more than 9,800 participating McDonald’s®restaurants across the U.S.

“Wayport is pleased to be working with Microsoft to make it easier for Zune users to access music on the go,” said Dan Lowden, vice president of business development and marketing for Wayport. “Our ability to enable and manage applications and devices over converged networks creates exciting new opportunities for our clients to attract new customers whose digital lifestyle extends beyond their home and office.”

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