Microsoft will further expand its Zune digital entertainment service into international markets this autumn. Zune will expand its music and video footprint and bring the free Zune software, Zune Marketplace online store, Zune Pass music subscription service and enhanced features on Zune.net to new markets, providing an entertainment experience on Windows-based PCs, on the go with Windows Phone 7 and in the users' living room through Xbox Live. The Zune software has been upgraded with new features and will serve as the Windows Phone 7 synchronization client. The software version 4.7 will be available for download free of charge in over 20 countries, enabling users to manage their personal collection of movies, music, podcasts and pictures. The updated Zune software will also enable instant streaming of HD movies, enabling customers to watch Zune Marketplace movies in HD, with no download time, directly on a Windows PC. As Zune expands internationally, its music and video service will be tailored for each market and feature the top songs, videos, movies and unique promotions for each country. As part of the international expansion, Zune Marketplace will extend services to several markets in Europe and beyond. Zune Pass will expand to the UK, France, Italy and Spain. The monthly music subscription service will be available for EUR 9.99 per month for unlimited download and streaming access to the Zune music catalogue. The Music purchase capability will soon be available in the UK, France, Italy, Spain and Germany. Expansion to these markets will enable consumers to purchase MP3s and listen on their Windows-based PC, Windows Phone 7 or any other device that supports MP3 format. Users will also be able to purchase music videos to enjoy on Windows devices Xbox LIVE. The video purchase service will be offered in the UK, France, Germany, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, while movie rental will be also available in the UK, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
