The latest line-up of Microsoft’s Zune music players hit the shelves on Monday featuring the ability to tag songs from the radio for download over wireless Internet. Could the struggling Zune line finally have a hit on its hands?

Users will be able to tag any song on FM radio and the Zune service will save the Radio Data System identification number for the song. Then the Zune can download the song as soon as it’s connected to wifi.

Wifi downloads are a massive step forward for MP3 players and Microsoft is beating Apple to the punch. With a Zune Pass users will be able to download unlimited DRM-free MP3s or stream online music to their Zune for a competitive price. Microsoft is anxious to see if direct downloading will catch on as their Group Marketing Manager says it’s a, “power user thing to do.”

Microsoft is also adding 2 new Zunes come next Monday. One is an 8GB model and the other is the hard drive model which is being upgraded to 120GB. These and all the rest of the Zune players are getting substantial upgrades in functionality.

While the base hardware for the Zune has not changed in the third generation product, the software has been upgraded substantially. Now Zune users will have much of the functionality that the companion software offers, right in the device.

The Zune line has been struggling mightily since its inception. The devices have often been called clunky or even downright ugly, cardinal sins in a marketplace infatuated with the slim lines and simple interface of the iPod.

This announcement was released yesterday just in time for today’s Apple event. Analysts are expecting Steve Jobs to announce the next generation of the iPod line for release in time for Christmas. Now maybe the Zune will actual be ready to claim some market share from the iPod.

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Entry was posted on Tuesday, September 9th, 2008 at 8:55 am under Music.

Read more entries by Dave Jeyes.
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