<Hijacked from Mike Gannotti–Thanks, Mikey!>
Zune 3.0 launched this morning and everyone, even those with original Zune devices (yes we upgrade even the oldest of our devices unlike some other makes who often force you to buy a new device to get the latest shiny features) can update their devices to get the latest features. Even if you dont own a Zune device you can still download the software to get the latest in multimedia entertainment, podcast subscriptions, and the online social experience. Oh yeah…. and you can use the Zune software to subscribe to my own video postings here at Michael Gannotti on SharePoint + (see the icon on home page right hand side) You can also use the new Zune software in tandem with the Podcasting Kit for SharePoint.
New features with Zune 3.0 include:
Device features:
- New capacities
We’ve added 16GB and 120GB devices to the lineup, both with a glossy black front and a black metal back. - Buy from FM
Hear a song you like while listening to the radio on your Zune? Your device will identify it, and download it the next time you sync. - Browse Zune Marketplace wirelessly
Download music directly to your Zune: at home, at a café… wherever there’s a wireless hotspot.Zune has partnered with high-speed Internet access provider Wayport to let customers wirelessly shop Zune Marketplace on their player at more than 9,800 McDonald’s restaurants across the U.S.
- New Zune Originals
Even more designs for you to personalize your Zune. - Zune Channels
Combining the best features of podcasts and playlists, subscribe to channels by Billboard, The FADER, and radio stations like KROQ and KEXP. - Games
You can now play games on your Zune! Devices come preloaded with Texas hold ’em and Hexic. - Audiobooks
One of our most-requested features is here: audiobooks on your Zune, from Audible.com and OverDrive. - Clock
You’ll never again wonder what time it is.Read more about Zune players in our User’s Guide.
Software features:
- Mixview, Just for You, and Now Playing
Dynamic representations of your collection, as well as artist and song recommendations based on what you and other members of the Social are listening to. - Rich search functionality
Zune software will offer you suggestions as you type, helping you find the name of an artist or band even if you don’t know the correct spelling. - Social in the software
Set your favorite tracks, update your profile, change your status, and search for other Social members — all from within the software.Read more about Zune software in our User’s Guide.
Social features:
- Windows Live Messenger integration
See your Windows Live Messenger contacts in the Social, and invite them to join with a click of the mouse. - New reputation badges
Get recognized for being a top reviewer or top forum poster. - E-mail notifications
Get a weekly digest of your friends’ activities and real-time notifications of new messages and comments. - More play data
In addition to number of total plays, now see how many times a track has been added as a favorite or sent to a friend.Read more about the Social in our User’s Guide.