Zune Marketplace Review
| Zune Marketplace Site | |
| Website address | |
| Zune Marketplace Download Plans | |
| Subscription | $14.99 |
| Song Download | $.98 |
Overview - Microsoft's Zune Marketplace offers over 3 million song titles and music videos all playable on your Zune. They offer unlimited monthly subscriptions with DRM protection along with over a million pay per song DRM free tracks.
History - Zune Marketplace was born along with the Zune player in 2006. Since then Microsoft has worked hard to improve both the player and their subscription service. Related features added in 2007 to the 2nd generation Zune devices include support for non-DRM tracks, podcasts, and MPEG-4 files. First generation Zune users received the same feature upgrades via free firmware update.
Song titles - Microsoft Marketplace offers unlimited access to over 3 million song titles for Zune Pass members. They also have feature over 1 million DRM-free titles in their Microsoft Points (pay per song) service.
Search - search for music by song title, artist, album and genre.
Pricing Plans - Zune Marketplace offers two distinct pricing plans. Zune Pass includes unlimited downloads of over 3 million titles for $14.99 a month. The songs are protected by WMA DRM. They can be moved from PC to Zune player but not burned or played on other MP3 players. The songs expire when you end the subscription. As an alternative Microsoft also offers a point system for purchasing DRM-free songs. These songs can be burned to CD and are yours forever. Songs cost 79 points which equates to $.98.
Supported devices - the Zune Pass service only supports Zune players. DRM-free Points (pay per song) downloads can be burned to CD or played on any device.
Digital Rights Management - Zune Pass includes their own flavor of "PlayForSure" DRM. This is why songs downloaded through Zune Marketplace can not be played on other devices. Music can be played on up to 3 PC's and 3 Zune's for as long as you're a subscriber. If you cancel the subscription then all previously downloaded Zune Pass titles will be inaccessible. If you are new to the topic take a look at our DRM article.
Supported Operating Systems - eMusic is compatible with Windows, MAC OS X, and Linux.
Customer Service - Zune Marketplace offers daily toll-free phone support,
1-877-GET-ZUNE and a number of online support options..
Bottom line - We commend Microsoft for offering an unlimited music subscription service for the Zune. With this said they have followed down the Apple iTunes path by segmenting out the service to only work with Zune devices and not allowing competing services access to Zune devices.
If you'd like flexibility then we recommend purchasing an MP3 player (other than a Zune or iPOD) that will work with digital music download services like Napster and Rhapsody.
If you own a Zune and have an unlimited thirst for music then Zune Marketplace is your only option. Also if you'd like to purchase single song non-DRM downloads the service competes well with other top vendors.