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Zune 3.0 is going to catch Apple iPod!!! | Zune 3.0 Software download |

4. March 2011
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image Apple's iPod is going great. Microsoft has been an also-ran with Zune. But that hasn't stopped Microsoft from competing. On Tuesday, it unleashed a fresh lineup of Zune players along with enhanced social features designed to help you discover music and buy songs you hear on FM radio.

Microsoft's foray comes on the heels of Apple's own refresh of the iPod line and a new version of iTunes called iTunes 8, which sports an addictive, if imperfect, Genius playlist and recommendations engine I've been testing.

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The Zune 3.0 software release on the PC looks pretty slick: The Now Playing screen, for instance, shows a montage of album covers. Microsoft emphasizes community in ways Apple does not and is improving how Zune takes advantage of Wi-Fi. The first Zunes had lame restrictions. You can now buy tracks directly from Zune devices, provided you're connected to Wi-Fi. You can also wirelessly stream full tracks if you opt into the $15 monthly Zune Pass subscription.

Still, I encountered a few problems. It took a long time to synchronize the device with the music on my PC, and the progress indicator showing the percentage completed bounced all over the place. My "Zune Card" profile, which is viewable by other members, failed to update songs I was listening to and other user data.

All Zune players are wireless, which lets you browse and buy music from Zune Marketplace at wireless hotspots. Combine that with Zune's built-in FM tuner and you're able to buy songs as you listen to them over the airwaves.

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New capacities
We've added 16GB and 120GB devices to the lineup, both with a glossy black front and a black metal back.

Buy from FM
Hear a song you like while listening to the radio on your Zune? Your device will identify it, and download it the next time you sync.

Browse Zune Marketplace wirelessly
Download music directly to your Zune: at home, at a café… wherever there's a wireless hotspot.

Zune has partnered with high-speed Internet access provider Wayport to let customers wirelessly shop Zune Marketplace on their player at more than 9,800 McDonald's restaurants across the U.S.

New Zune Originals
Even more designs for you to personalize your Zune.

Zune Channels
Combining the best features of podcasts and playlists, subscribe to channels by Billboard, The FADER, and radio stations like KROQ and KEXP.

Games
You can now play games on your Zune! Devices come preloaded with Texas hold 'em and Hexic.

Audiobooks
One of our most-requested features is here: audiobooks on your Zune, from Audible.com and OverDrive.

Clock
You'll never again wonder what time it is.

Read more about Zune players in our User's Guide.

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Mixview, Just for You, and Now Playing
Dynamic representations of your collection, as well as artist and song recommendations based on what you and other members of the Social are listening to.

Rich search functionality
Zune software will offer you suggestions as you type, helping you find the name of an artist or band even if you don't know the correct spelling.

Social in the software
Set your favorite tracks, update your profile, change your status, and search for other Social members — all from within the software.

Read more about Zune software in our User's Guide.

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Windows Live Messenger integration
See your Windows Live Messenger contacts in the Social, and invite them to join with a click of the mouse.

New reputation badges
Get recognized for being a top reviewer or top forum poster.

E-mail notifications
Get a weekly digest of your friends' activities and real-time notifications of new messages and comments.

More play data
In addition to number of total plays, now see how many times a track has been added as a favorite or sent to a friend.

Read more about the Social in our User's Guide.

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