Microsoft’s Zune is coming to Europe


22 Sep 2010

Microsoft is expanding its digital entertainment service, Zune, bringing its software, online store, music subscription service and improved features to Europe.

The software is available for download at Zune.net and it can be used through Windows-based PCs, on mobiles that work from the Windows Phone 7 platform and on Xbox LIVE.

“The integration between Zune, Windows Phone 7 and Xbox LIVE is an exciting expansion in our entertainment offerings,” said Craig Eisler, corporate vice-president of Interactive Entertainment Business Group at Microsoft.

“Zune enables users to access the entertainment they want, wherever they want it — and now, more people than ever will be able to enjoy the freedom and flexibility that the Zune service offers.”

The service can be downloaded for free in more than 20 countries to be used to manage and discover media.

The software has recently been updated to support instant HD streaming.

The software makes the Zune Marketplace accessible, offering millions of songs from music labels such as Sony Music Entertainment, EMI Music and Warner Music Group.

From autumn, these services will be expanded to certain countries. The Zune Pass service allows a monthly music subscription for unlimited downloads for either €10 in France, Italy and Spain and £9 in the UK.

Music purchases without this subscription will be expanded to the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, while video purchases will come to the UK, France, Germany, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Zune also offers videos from studios such as Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution for purchase or rental.

 Ireland was among the countries that will be given access to its movie rental services.