Fries, a Diet Coke and One Order of Wireless Zune Marketplace

If Apple and Starbucks managed to get in (i)Tune(s) back in September 2007, Microsoft is now ready to offer a portion of the wireless (Mc)Zune Marketplace. Just as iPod and iPhone owners can connect to a wireless network in Starbucks coffee shops, so will Zune users be able to take advantage of the Wi-Fi capabilities of their devices and the new wireless hotspots in no less than 9,800 McDonald's restaurants in the U.S. According to the Redmond giant, the wireless access to the Zune Marketplace will be offered to any Zune user from one of the almost 10,000 McDonald's restaurants participating in the project. Microsoft indicated that the Wi-Fi hotspots would be managed by Wayport.

“Wayport is pleased to be working with Microsoft to make it easier for Zune users to access music on the go,” commented Dan Lowden, vice president of business development and marketing for Wayport. “Our ability to enable and manage applications and devices over converged networks creates exciting new opportunities for our clients to attract new customers whose digital lifestyle extends beyond their home and office.”

On September 8, 2008, Microsoft introduced the 3.0 generation of Zune, featuring the following device models (based on hard capacity): 120 GB: $249.99; 80 GB: $229.99; 16 GB: $199; 8 GB: $149.99; and 4 GB: $129.99. According to Microsoft, Zune users will be able to tap a collection of over 4 million songs via Zune Marketplace. In addition, Microsoft is offering over 8,500 music videos and 3,000 TV shows episodes.

“Zune customers have a choice in how they acquire music - they can pay per track or choose a Zune Pass subscription. Zune Pass subscribers can download or stream music from their Zune or computer interchangeably, all for a flat rate of $14.99 (U.S.) per month. To give people a chance to experience Zune Pass subscription, Zune is offering a free, 14-day trial to all new customers,” Microsoft explained.