Microsoft eying WiFi-enabled Zune filling stations?

Apparently Microsoft is just following the blazed trails around, as it looks like the company just might be toying with the idea of implementing WiFi-based "filling stations" to allow Zune users to "cache and download on the go." Recently, Microsoft's media business chief Chris Stephenson proclaimed that he wanted to see music dispersed over the air to Zunes, presumably similar in effect to the iTunes kiosks and PSP Spot download stations already unveiled. Notably, he said the stations would fit best at popular locales that were already home to WiFi zones such as Starbucks and Mickey Ds. Interestingly, the exec pushed the idea in an area that seems to have already warmed to the OTA music distribution model, as the blokes across the pond have certainly been acquainted with Undersound already. Of course, those same folks who call the UK home can (maybe) look forward to a Zune-filled stocking as early as this year, which means that Gates & Co. should have plenty of time to ramp up production of these yet-to-be-confirmed tune dispensers (and chuck out a flash-based player while they're at it).

[Jason Smith @ Jan 23rd 2007 10:22AM]

I Love My Zune. Can't Wait to See What happens next!

[Mobi Fin @ Jan 23rd 2007 10:28AM]

The Zune has taken over our IT department... We now have 7 Zune owners and one poor iPod fellow!

Come this Fall I have a feeling things will get even more interesting with Flash Zunes and the Zune IE browser!

[Goodman @ Jan 23rd 2007 10:35AM]

I gotta say, I don't understand the concept. Shouldn't ANY wi-fi connection be a "filling station"?

The Sansa Connect still sounds better to me...

[Mike Botros @ Jan 23rd 2007 10:36AM]

Has a flash-based zune been announced? I don't see why MSFT would use a 3rd party format, when they have their own flash competitor.

[Andrew Rahimi @ Jan 23rd 2007 3:26PM]

Flash solid-state memory, not Macromedia Flash

[BK @ Jan 23rd 2007 10:56AM]

That Zune, with its faux click-wheel, is looking rather dated now after the iPhone was introduced. I wish Apple had created a iPhone-type gadget minus the phone/wifi feature (iVid?).

[tekdroid @ Jan 23rd 2007 11:08AM]

I long for sub-par lossy files encrusted with DRM being beamed over convenient wi-fi 'hotspots' feeding me tunes while I chomp on my Big Mac.

[Billy Gun @ Jan 23rd 2007 11:12AM]

I have an Ipod but I'm sure my next player will be a Zune, But I need at least a 80gb one a 120gb wold be better.

For me the best things in Zune is the Media Center like navegation and the album art view wile songs are played, Its very nice to see cristal and clear the album art on the screen. No Ipod does that.

But I agree that the zune is not that preaty, almost ugly, but at least do not need to use Itunes and convert the videos for quiktime format.

[Goodman @ Jan 23rd 2007 12:17PM]

Billy, consider the Sansa E200R. You not only get the album art, but you get biographies of the bands on your player (when used with Rhapsody). It'll also let you fill your player with close to 130 "Rhapsody Music Channels". Which is to say, if you drag "Celtic" to your player, it'll load 3-4 hours of Celtic music to your player. And after you listen to it, it'll automatically refresh that music with a different 3-4 hours of Celtic music the next time you sync. (If any of it REALLY grabs you, you can save the track to your library with a click on your player, or even buy the track if you think you need to own it for some reason.) And the "Rhapsody DNA" it uses for subscription music works MUCH nicer than PlaysForSure (although the E200R supports that too).

And yes, it plays video too, though it needs to be converted to Quicktime with a provided converter program. And it plays and records the radio, and is expandable. Word is, the Sansa Connect will offer all this, and throw in full wi-fi support as well.

And no, I don't work for them. But I do dig the player (though the coming Rhapsody-enabled Clix2 from iRiver will probably top it).

[xbit @ Jan 23rd 2007 11:14AM]

"... Zune IE browser!"

Microsoft haven't even put a web-browser in the Xbox 360 yet, I can't see them adding it to the Zune.

I generally agree with BK. If Apple could release an iPhone sans-GSM radio, it would kill the Zune dead.

[LPD @ Jan 23rd 2007 11:19AM]

TO BK:
1) Its not a faux click wheel. It actually works and I prefer it to Apple's drag-your-finger-around click wheel.

2 Considering the price difference, to compare the products is obsurd. (iPhone >$500 + $800 per year additional service contract, versus $250) Duh.

[404error @ Jan 23rd 2007 11:24AM]

Billy if you use a a Zune you will need to use the Zune marketplace to convert your videos to a windows media file, so either way you're screwed.

[bry @ Jan 23rd 2007 12:13PM]

404error: incorrect please see - http://dcunningham.net/

[MrWhite @ Jan 23rd 2007 12:16PM]

How many iPods compared to Zunes sold over the holiday season? I rest my case.

[ByronGman @ Jan 23rd 2007 12:44PM]

Here's what I want to know...

When will we see a wireless docking station? Will I ever to to walk around my house with my Zune, streaming songs wirelessly to my stereo?

I'm certain its possible. There are plenty of ways the Wi-fi ability can set the Zune above the Ipod, if only Mircosoft would get on the ball and implement them.

[Billy Gun @ Jan 23rd 2007 1:39PM]

404error, yes I know about this, but at least the wmv files can be played on Windows Media Center and the extenders.

Goodman, yes it looks a very nice player and all those features you told me... ummm they are very cool.. all I wanted... but I have 2 problems there no 80gb and I can make a subscription (I live in Brazil).

[BTS.WRKNG @ Jan 23rd 2007 2:53PM]

Boy, the Microsoft employees must watch this blog like hawks in order to get those phony "I

[John @ Jan 23rd 2007 3:18PM]

OMG Whitney made a comeback? Quick, turn right here so I can DL her single!

[Mike Botros @ Jan 23rd 2007 3:51PM]

Ohhh, haha. I'm big on graphics design. The first thing I think of when I hear flash is macromedia's. Makes sense now.

[michael @ Jan 23rd 2007 4:52PM]

Yes! I hope they make these soon. Zune needs things like this to make it more cool to the public. I can't wait until they come.