Microsoft revamps Zune

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 9 Sep 2008 at 11:41

Microsoft has revamped its third generation Zune, introducing a wireless music store and FM radio.

The introduction of the wireless music store will allow users to browse and download songs from the Zune Marketplace when connected over Wi-Fi.

It will also allow customers to stream music from the new FM radio station which is being added to the device. This service will be bolstered by a tagging feature, through which users can tag songs they hear on the radio to download from the Zune shop.

Alongside the hardware features, the Zune will be upgraded to firmware version 3 which will introduce a new recommendation service and ability to share favourite playlists.

The update will also bring Texas Hold 'Em poker and the Hexic game to the Zune.

The update will be available for free to existing Zune customers.

While the players will retain their original designs, they will receive a boost in capacity, with a 120GB hard disk model replacing the 80GB, and the 4GB solid state Zune making way for a 16GB version.

There's still no word on when we're likely to see the players hit UK shores, however.

The announcement comes the day before Apple is expected to revamp its iPod range, featuring larger screens and capacities, as well as possible price cuts.

PC Pro will be bringing you coverage from the event which begins at six this evening.