Microsoft has announced that it will update its Zune series with both new models and new storage capacities, 120GB HDD and 16GB flash, plus black and silver-blue themes. The prices will be 249 USD for the 120GB model and 199 USD for the flash-based 16GB sibling. There is more than hardware coming on September 16, as Microsoft will open up a new WiFi music store and the Zune 3.0 firmware that will bring news like Audible, two new games, audio books and other goodies.
Alas, Microsoft hasn’t exactly worked hard on expanding to new markets, and you still can’t get one in Europe. American users on the other hand can synchronize their radio listening with their music libraries. Microsoft has made it possible to download songs from FM radio stations, a truly wonderful features for people like yours truly that never remembers the name of the song that was just on. Now we’re just waiting for Microsoft to launch Zune in Europe…
“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.”
