Microsoft Updates Zune Functionality - First Take

Michael Gartenberg | May 06, 2008, 08:05 AM

Microsoft announced some new Zune features today. First up, the video store will now include downloads of television shows from CCmedy Central, FUNimation Entertainment, MTV, NBC Universal, Nickelodeon, Starz, Turner Broadcasting, Ultimate Fighting Championship and VH1. Shows are 1600 Zune points or $1.99 in the real world.

They've also added some more features by integrating the Zune community into the core software experience which will make sharing playlists and the like easier (especially for those with a Zune Pass). Also good news is that auto playlists are back (at last) and there's better editing of meta data as well as the ability to sort by genre. These were all missing from the last major Zune update and it's good to see them back.

Overall, these are nice additions to the product and with the addition of NBCs library, Zune now has content differentiated from Apple's iTunes (where NBC pulled their content). Zune still lacks movie rentals as an option and there's a lack of flexibility of the eco system that has long been an Apple strength. Microsoft has yet to provide seamless content flow from screen to screen across the range of devices supported by Microsoft technology. The result is that while Microsoft's latest efforts are compelling, they ultimately fall short of what rival Apple has delivered to the market. Zune remains a fine choice for consumers not looking to embrace Apple technology for whatever reason but Microsoft still has a long way to go before Zune becomes a credible iPod alternative for mainstream consumers.