Microsoft just announced Zune 2 and this time, podcasts are supported. The presence of the Zune guys at the New Media Expo was indication that something exciting was on the horizon, but when I had dinner with them on Saturday night their lips were sealed. Now the news is confirmed. Here are the important details.
- The Zune Marketplace will soon include a select number of audio and video podcasts
- You also be able to subscribe to any other podcast by entering an RSS feed address
- Zune 2 will sync via wireless at home (very handy for podcast syncing)
- The new Zunes will be available this holiday season
I said just recently that I was hoping for a new directory-to-player solution that was as convenient as the iPod/iTunes. This is one step closer to that. In fact, with the wireless sync, this solution has an advantage.
Next steps on my wish list:
- License and include a complete podcast directory on the device
- Allow syncing via wireless away from home
I want to be able to sit in my local cafe, browse for new podcasts and update my subscriptions all by wi-fi.
October 12th, 2007 at 11:32 am
Hey Jason,
It was great to have dinner with you at the NME. I am looking forward to how the new Zune solution is received by yourself and the other podcast afficianados out there. I’ll be watching this space ;-)
Ciao