Today we’re releasing the next version of the Zune software. As one of the Zune program managers, I wanted to provide a brief look at what’s new in the 4.8 release, which you can download here . To update your current version, click Settings > Software > General, and then click Check For Updates...

Microsoft has taken care of a little bit of T-crossing and I-dotting this morning by updating its Zune desktop software to v4.7. The code should now be fully equipped to welcome incoming Windows Phones, and our tipster's screenshot above seems to indicate the app marketplace will be up and running...

As part of my job as a full-time Microsoft watcher, I get a lot of tips about Microsoft from customers, competitors, partners and even some Softies themselves. However, ever since I worked for PCWeek as a reporter more than 15 years ago, I had it drilled into my head that until I could get three independent...

Microsoft, the world’s largest software maker, may cut the monthly fee it charges for streaming music on its Zune portable player, senior product manager Terry Farrell said in an interview. Zune Pass , which features unlimited music streaming and 10 song downloads a month, now costs $14.99. Farrell didn...

Microsoft has rolled out firmware 4.5 for the Zune HD. To recap, that includes Smart DJ mix, personalized recommendations, Marketplace support for TV, and expanded video codec support , a number of those features you can see in our hands-on piece (video embedded after the break). As usual, the update...

The Facebook app all of us Zune HD lovers have been waiting for has arrived! It looks pretty solid, but due to a hilarious sequence of errors , I can’t update my Zune software to allow the app to be installed. Seriously, Microsoft, I want to recommend Zune stuff to everyone, but you make it so difficult...

On the heels of providing a new firmware update to the Zune HD that provided support for forthcoming games , Microsoft is rolling out those games starting on November 11. The firmware update, version 4.3, enabled 3-D gaming on the new Zune HD. The new six games that are a vailable for download from the...

Microsoft released the v4.3 firmware update for Zune HD players; Support for the upcoming 3D games and applications. Auto Suggest feature for text input. Faster web browsing experience. Landscape keyboard Keyboard option has been added in the settings section. New toggle between seek and presets under...

For all you who still believe Microsoft is still consumed with the impossible task of beating the iPod with the Zune, here’s more proof that Zune’s future is all about software and services and not hardware. Microsoft is considering whether it should port the Zune software and services to other platforms...

Here's a statement I never thought I'd write: The newest Zune is selling out everywhere . Congrats to this underdog manufacturer "Micro-Soft" for finally hitting the big time! Amazon has both the 16GB and 32GB versions backordered, as does Best Buy , while Newegg and Buy.com both have...