Microsoft announced a new software update for their Zune portable media players. The new Zune software adds new software features and content to the Zune online store, music community, and Zune Pass monthly subscription service.

Zune is expanding its video store to include downloads of popular television shows from COMEDY CENTRAL, FUNimation Entertainment, MTV, NBC Universal, Nickelodeon, Starz Media (including Manga Entertainment), Turner Broadcasting, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and VH1 that you can sync to your device and enjoy on the go.

In addition, by further integrating the Zune music community into the core experience, the new software makes it easier for you to find and listen to the music you want, share it with friends, and take it with you.
Zune Pass subscribers can now set up automatic, real-time feeds of the music their friends are listening to and add those songs to their collection or Zune device.

New updates to the Zune online music community include the following:

  -- Syncing Zune Cards to a device. Consumers simply drag and drop Zune
     Cards from friends to a Zune device and get updates on what friends are
     listening to every time they sync. If the song is available with Zune
     Pass, subscribers automatically have the full tracks on their Zune
     while nonsubscribers have full album information and artwork. If
     consumers hear something they like, they can add it to their collection
     with one click. Next time the user syncs his or her Zune, he or she
     will be asked to confirm the purchase.

  -- Enhanced friends search. Consumers now have the ability to add their
     name, location and bio to their Zune music community profile, making it
     easier than ever to find their friends.

  -- Instant friends. The true power of the Zune online music community is
     unlocked when friends are added and consumers can follow the music
     they're listening to. Now, when new Zune owners join the Zune online
     music community, they'll find the top music editors from the Zune
     Marketplace team already added to their friends list, giving them a
     head start in finding new music.

  -- Artist and album reviews. Inside the Zune music community, members have
     the ability to write and post their own reviews for artists and albums,
     providing another community-driven feature to support the exploration
     and discovery of music. The music community helps to find and recommend
     the best music.

  -- Reputation badges. Now members of the Zune community can earn badges
     that are displayed on their Zune Card showing they're passionate fans
     or active members.

  -- Windows Live connections. Windows Live Messenger contacts will now be
     able to see what users are listening to via the Zune software. Clicking
     on the tracks displayed in the "Now Playing" feature will connect the
     Windows Live Messenger friend directly to that artist's page on the
     Zune Social.