Zune is. Microsoft promised that its digital media player will become compatible with Windows Vista before the operating system becomes generally available on January 30, 2007. And the Redmond Company delivered. I actually posted the news regarding the first update for Zune yesterday, but as additional details have become available I am presenting them to you today.

One of the main aspects of the Zune update, and something that I overlooked in the previous article is the fact that Microsoft's digital media player delivers support for Windows Vista. Initially, Vista compatibility was to be added to Zune in the vicinity of the operating system's launch in January. It is only safe to assume that the Zune team was under a consistent amount of pressure to ensure that Vista support will be available before the holiday season was over.

"Once you have the new software installed, you should be able to update the firmware on your Zune to version 1.2. Originally, the Zune Team planned to make this Windows Vista-compatible software available around the same time Windows Vista would be available to the general public (i.e., 30 Jan). It looks like they were able to beat the clock, and just in time for the holidays", stated Nick White, Microsoft Program Manager.

"Tuesday the 19th of December we're issuing a 22 MB update to make Zune compatible with Windows Vista. The update also improves the Zune software installation process, addressing the issues that some of the users reported," revealed Cesar Menendez from the Zune Insider.

The Zune update is actually both a software and a firmware upgrade centered on delivering Zune support for Windows Vista and increased performances.