Techotic Gadgets

Microsoft has started its campaign to compete with Apple’s globally popular iPods by releasing its new software update that will allow television programming.

Microsoft’s Zune MP3 players used to allow only music and music video showing. But now, software was recently introduced to the market that will enable users to watch television shows and to music sharing.

Microsoft’s online Zune Marketplace includes downloads of television shows such as Nickelodeon, NBC Universal, Comedy Central, and many other entertainment networks. This service would cost $ 1.99 per episode.

The NPC programs, which used to provide shows from Apple’s online iTunes store, has pulled its service and switched to Microsoft’s Zune. The reason for this is simple—NPC is demanding for a higher price payment charge for every download to iPods.

According to Microsoft reports, the company has sold more than two million Zunes since it was introduced in the market in November 2006. Meanwhile, Apple’s iTunes stores began providing television programming for download to iPods almost two years ago and it also sells and rent movies for viewing on this mobile devices.

Microsoft Company is planning to introduce a “Zune Pass” subscription that will allow people to have online access to the entire music catalogue. This service would cost $ 14.95 per month.

The Zune social also gets a refresh spring cleaning:

• Syncing Zune Cards to a device. Consumers simply drag and drop Zune Cards from friends to a Zune device and get updates on what friends are listening to every time they sync. If the song is available with Zune Pass, subscribers automatically have the full tracks on their Zune while nonsubscribers have full album information and artwork. If consumers hear something they like, they can add it to their collection with one click. Next time the user syncs his or her Zune, he or she will be asked to confirm the purchase.

• Enhanced friends search.Consumers now have the ability to add their name, location and bio to their Zune music community profile, making it easier than ever to find their friends.

• Instant friends.The true power of the Zune online music community is unlocked when friends are added and consumers can follow the music they’re listening to. Now, when new Zune owners join the Zune online music community, they’ll find the top music editors from the Zune Marketplace team already added to their friends list, giving them a head start in finding new music.

• Artist and album reviews. Inside the Zune music community, members have the ability to write and post their own reviews for artists and albums, providing another community-driven feature to support the exploration and discovery of music. The music community helps to find and recommend the best music.

• Reputation badges. Now members of the Zune community can earn badges that are displayed on their Zune Card showing they’re passionate fans or active members.

• Windows Live connections. Windows Live Messenger contacts will now be able to see what users are listening to via the Zune software. Clicking on the tracks displayed in the “Now Playing” feature will connect the Windows Live Messenger friend directly to that artist’s page on the Zune Social.

[via cliczune]