Zune's Digital Entertainment Service Goes Worldwide

Microsoft’s music and video entertainment service accessible through Zune devices, Windows-based PCs, Xbox LIVE and Windows Phone 7, announced yesterday its international expansion.

Zune will reach new markets this fall with its free Zune software, Zune Marketplace online store, Zune Pass music subscription service and improved features on Zune.net, compatible with Windows-based PCs, Windows Phone 7 and Xbox LIVE.

Craig Eisler, corporate vice president, Interactive Entertainment Business Group at Microsoft said that “the integration between Zune, Windows Phone 7 and Xbox LIVE is an exciting expansion in our entertainment offerings.

“Zune enables users to access the entertainment they want, wherever they want it — and now, more people than ever will be able to enjoy the freedom and flexibility that the Zune service offers,” he added.

Microsoft has been working on the Zune software and has added new features and higher functionality, making it also the synchronization client for Windows Phone 7.

Zune 4.7 will be downloadable for free in over 20 countries, including the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain, and will facilitate the management of movies, music, podcasts and pictures.

Another feature that will excite technology lovers is the instant streaming of high-definition movies, that allows watching Zune Marketplace movies in HD, without downloading, directly on a Windows PC.

The Zune software gives access to the Zune Marketplace online store, where millions of songs and albums are waiting to be bought, in MP3 format.

Users can also subscribe to Zune Pass, and have unlimited downloads and music streaming capabilities from the Zune music library, or visit the video library and watch movies on the screen of your choice - Xbox LIVE, Windows-based PC or Windows Phone 7.

The Zune account is very easy to create, all you need is an existing or a new Windows Live ID, and you can go to Zune.net.

Because Zune expands internationally, it will adapt music and video service to each market and the top songs, videos, movies and promotions will be custom made for every country.

Zune will expand to Europe and beyond as following: Zune Pass – in the UK, France, Italy and Spain, Music purchase – in the UK, France, Italy, Spain and Germany, Video purchase – in the UK, France, Germany, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and Movie rental – in the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

For more info go to http://www.zune.net/en-US/.