Zune users get free Wi-Fi access at McDonald's

Most of the news about today's release of the Zune 3.0 software and devices leaked last week, but one piece of interesting news remained under wraps.

Microsoft signed a deal with public Wi-Fi provider Wayport and McDonald's restaurants that will give Zune users free access, no password or Web page log-in required, to hot spots in more than 9,800 McDonald's. This addresses a potential "gotcha" with the Zune's download-from-Wi-Fi feature--the fact that users can't access any hot spot that requires a browser redirect (either to enter a password or accept terms). Now they'll have nearly 10,000 guaranteed places from which to buy or (with a $14.99/month Zune Pass) stream music wirelessly.

The other point I didn't mention in my previous Zune posts is the MixView feature. As you're playing one song in the Zune PC software, other related artists, songs, albums, and Zune Cards of other users with similar tastes will gradually fade in around the central image, which will be the artist or album cover for the song you're playing right now. This gives users a really cool way to find music they might like based on what they're playing now--particularly if they have a Zune Pass, which will let them play any suggested song immediately. As Wired's Listening Post blog pointed out, this feature makes the iTunes Genius feature--which I like--look a little bit primitive.

[Dalmatian28]

I just wander if anyone out there wants to spend money on MP3 Players any more....wouldn't you rather save money and buy great phone that does all this things and million other that are actually useful in real life! How lazy did we get????....now it has become very hard for everyone to download your music from your PC/Mac. What is next...we are going to ask Microsoft/ Apple to design wireless charger so we don't have to plug it any more??? Ahhhhh what a waste of money and effort!!!!!!!!!!!

[goodspeed8701]

shotup if you dont like it others do. keep your stupid comments to your self.

[Dalkorian]

Personally, I have no desire for some self absorbed "I'm so freaking important" annoyance device like a cell phone. If people want to call me, I have a home phone number with an old school answering machine for when I'm not there.

When I want music, I want music. Not some annoying ringing device bugging me to talk with someone about last nights TV episode while I'm trying to navigate traffic and not kill people. Maybe that's just me though.

Screw cell phones and all the arrogant buggers out there who think their life isn't complete without one. I'll remind you to tell me how you like your brain cancer in 25 years.

[PLmike]

Hmm...mainly because dedicated MP3 players are easier to use, feature better sound quality, better battery and some people just don't need cell phones? It's not called lazy..its called being practical.

[erictbar]

"next...we are going to ask Microsoft/ Apple to design wireless charger so we don't have to plug it any more??"

I would love a wireless charger for my iPhone/iPods. Don't think its physically possible though :(

"now it has become very hard for everyone to download your music from your PC/Mac"

Huh? I download a song from iTunes and 1 minute later its on my iPhone (1 hour later with 2.0. Thank god for 2.1 :P)

[csUser]

It is very possible.
http://www.wildcharge.com/

[supoman]

Awesome!!!!..........NOT!!! I know CNET and M$ have been cozy over the years but push M$'s DOA Music player is getting pretty tired.

[furbelly]

Wow!...I can buy music....at Mcey D's...

I'm sure at least like 12 people will use this.

[pctec100]

Sounds like a good setup. As a Zune Pass user I look forward to picking up some fries and a few new tracks at the same time.

[wynand32]

Gee, only 9,800 locations (most conveniently located, by definition) offering free wifi for Zune users... Now why in the world would anyone cover that?

I know that Apple fanboys simply can't stand when anyone mentions a product not made by Apple, but come on... If you don't like the Zune, then why waste your time reading a story about it? Let alone, responding to it...

Amazing.

[PLmike]

That's awsome...I've been using this Wireless Marketplace feature on my Zune...just to preview albums while sitting on the couch or doing stuff around the house. It's a nice feature....really enjoying my Zune. I love how Apple Supporters won't give a better product a chance....the Zune surpasses the iPod Classic in almost every way. Better Sound Quality, Premium Headphones, Bigger Screen, Better Games, Customizable Interface, Built in FM Radio, Better Design.....the list goes on. I owned an iPod Classic before I bought my Zune 80....and I love my Zune 10X more.

[Fire Balls]

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