Next Generation Zunes - Microsoft’s Future Plans
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As previously stated, Microsoft is involved in developing the technology to the point where users can access the same content no matter where they are and on any device. Microsoft actually has different products that are designed to work in places such as your living room or car. However, it only has a few services that will allow you to transport first-class content from one place to another.
Microsoft developed Zune because it saw a lot of potential in creating opportunities in regards to how people are entertained. Belfioreenvisions the possibilities of being able to connect unique portable devices to your television, laptop, or personal computer. For example, if you go to an Internet café or you’re traveling in your car, you should be able to access your content, particularly the Zune.
According to Belfiore, this example involves being able to realize new experiences and sharing them with your friends and other people. Belfiore mentioned how people used to play games either by themselves or with their friends in the same room. Now, thanks to technology, individuals can play games with other people from around the world. Belfiore wants to move this idea into other parts of the entertainment world, using the Microsoft Zune.
Zune Software
The Zune software acts as management software for the player and library. It also acts as a client to the online music store. When most people think of Zune, they only tend to think of the MP3 player device. However, Zune encompasses other things, including the Zune Marketplace online video and music store as well as client software. You can use Microsoft Points to manage files, burn audio CDs and music videos, and buy songs and TV shows. The client side of the Zune player, on the other hand, enables you to use its inbox as a message center. That way, you can use ZuneSocialto share your music and pictures with your friends and family.
The Zune software consists of additional DirectShow decoders for MPEG-4, H.264, and AAC. It also supports the following formats: MP3 WMA, MPEG4, H.264, WMV for audio and ASF for video. For still images, it supports JPEG. You can synchronize your movies, pictures, videos, podcasts, and music to the player. Also, if you own an Xbox 360, you can stream files.
You can perform functions, such as being able to purchase a song from the radio. You then use the Internet to download it to your Zune player. Microsoft targeted this service directly to music enthusiasts. Subscribers pay $15 per month in order to use Microsoft’s Zune Pass service. They can use the Wi-Fi connection to purchase songs as well as stream music over the Web.
The Zune software also has new channels. These channels are similar to playlists. However, it’s different in that the music gets updated on a regular basis. While Microsoft programs some playlists, there are other external radio stations and Billboard magazine that program them as well. Based on who owns the Zune player, the Zune software also updates the playlists. In fact, there are more than 450 stations that will support this format.
If you own an older Zune player, you can update the software to take advantage of these new features. Unfortunately, there is a negative side to Zune. The Zune doesn’t have a browser. As a result, the Zune will only work on Wi-Fi networks that don’t use a browser-based interrupt page. This tends to be a common problem on not just paid networks, but many free commercial Wi-Fi networks.
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