Andre Yoskowitz
10 Sep 2008 15:01
Microsoft has finally officially confirmed new updated Zune media players which will include higher storage capacities as well as the ability to buy music directly from the FM radio built into each device.
Beginning on September 16th, all Zune media players will also allow "consumers to wirelessly download or stream millions of songs on the go from thousands of wireless hot spots around the country," says Microsoft. The new ability will come via a free firmware upgrade for current users and will come already installed on the new Zunes.
The flash-based Zunes will come in a 16GB variety now and the HDD-based Zune will have 120GB capacity now. There will also be two new colorways, blue-on-silver and all black.
“Digital music services really come alive when they help people find not only the music they know they like, but the music they didn’t know they would love,” said Chris Stephenson, general manager of Global Marketing for Zune at Microsoft. “With the combination of subscription, wireless access to millions of tracks, and powerful discovery features like personal recommendations and the ability to buy music from FM radio, Zune is taking the digital music experience to the next level.”
“Microsoft’s decision to integrate an FM tuner into the Zune was revolutionary and they continue their extraordinary leadership with Buy from FM,” added John Hogan, president and CEO of Clear Channel Radio. “We’ve always known that radio is the primary source for discovering new music, and Microsoft’s decision to marry music discovery and delivery does two things: enables consumers to instantly satisfy their passion and enables FM song tagging to be enjoyed by all radio listeners, everywhere.”
As of September 16th the prices for the Zune line will be as follows:
120 GB: $249.99
80 GB: $229.99
16 GB: $199.00
8 GB: $149.99
4 GB: $129.99
You can read the entire press release here: Zune press release