You may remember that a few months back, NBC took down all of its video content from the iTunes Store. Well, guess where NBC has moved to? That’s right, the Zune Marketplace. The Zune has been Microsoft’s attempt to snatch some of the MP3 player market share away from Apple and its ubiquitous iPod, but so far, has been unsuccessful in doing so. Other networks that have signed on to Microsoft’s new video store include Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, MTV, VH1 and Turner Broadcasting. At the start, there will be 800 episodes, with each costing $1.99. Microsoft certainly faces some stiff competition in the video space, considering that Apple offers episodes from 600 shows in addition to movies and movie rentals. Nevertheless, it’s nice to see Microsoft start to branch out and exploit some of the functions of its capable Zune player. A few months ago, Microsoft also announced the ability to develop games for the Zune using XNA Game Studio. However, Apple made a somewhat similar announcement with the iPhone and iPod touch and even had several well-known game developers show what the hardware was capable of.
In addition, according to a recent Wall Street Journal article, Microsoft will be enhancing the music-sharing function of the Zune, which will allow users to copy nine of their friends’ most popular songs to their Zunes, as well as nine songs that have been tagged as favorites. However, in order to actually play these songs, users will need to subscribe to the Zune Pass service, which is $14.99 a month. This service provides users with unlimited access to millions of songs, unlike with iTunes, where users purchase songs and/or albums individually.
Filed under: Apple, Computers, Microsoft, Technology Tagged: | Apple, Comedy Central, iPhone, iPod, iPod touch, iTunes, Microsoft, MP3 player, MTV, NBC, Nickelodeon, Turner Broadcasting, VH1, XNA Game Studio, Zune Marketplace
