As Microsoft preps its version 3.0 of the Zune software on September 16, the Redmond, Washington-based company plans to make it possible for owners to download and stream music if they have access to a local WiFi network connection.
It'll also be possible to purchase songs through the Zune Marketplace if you hear a song you like playing over the FM radio. Songs can be purchased as single tracks, or users can pay $14.99 per month for the Zune Pass subscription. The wireless capabilities of the Zune in previous generations could only let owners sync music, movies and photos, or share the content among other Zune owners.
The Zune remains the only major hard drive-based MP3 player that offers a built-in FM radio. Although Apple not surprisingly remains the dominant leader in the MP3 player market, Microsoft plans to continue with its plan to promote the music device that is "about having a choice."
The iPod Touch and Microsoft Zune are the only two MP3 players that have integrated WiFi Internet support at the moment.
Microsoft is expected to launch a 120GB Zune for $250 and a new 16GB flash model for $200. The 80GB hard drive model and 4 GB flash models will be phased out, with a $20 price drop (from $250 down to $230) for the 80GB model and the 4GB model will still have a $130 price tag.
