Zune users get free Wi-Fi access in U.S. McDonald's

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With today's release of the Zune 3.0 software update, an update which allows users to browse the Zune Marketplace on their device via Wi-Fi, Microsoft has announced that it is teaming up with internet service provider Wayport Inc. to offer free Wi-Fi access in 9,800 McDonald's restaurants across the United States. These hotspots will allow Zune owners to browse the Zune Marketplace and use the "Buy From FM" feature while enjoying what is bound to be a healthy meal.

Dan Lowden, vice president of business direction and marketing for Wayport Inc, when asked about the news, said, "Wayport is pleased to be working with Microsoft to make it easier for Zune users to access music on the go. Our ability to enable and manage applications and devices over converged networks creates exciting new opportunities for our clients to attract new customers whose digital lifestyle extends beyond their home and office."

When asked about a rollout date, Wayport responded by saying that Zunes already have access in participating Mcdonald's and that installations in more restaurants are ongoing now that they have extended their contract with the fast food giant for three more years.

(1 reply) #1 EpidemiK on 16 Sep 2008 - 17:33

It doesn't even have a browser..

#1.1 bangbang023 on 16 Sep 2008 - 17:38

I updated the article to better explain the point of the hotspots.

(6 replies) #2 Marshalus on 16 Sep 2008 - 17:42

I guess thats cool, not sure how often I'd be sitting at McDonalds and want to downloads music...

#2.1 markjensen on 16 Sep 2008 - 18:14

Might be popular with teenage kids who are out with friends and want to get a cool new song that one of them discovered, and if McDonalds provides a free high-speed download location, then I can see it being used.

Certainly better for the customer than not providing any hotspot (or charging for this access).

#2.2 Magallanes on 16 Sep 2008 - 20:41

May be im a bit obsolete but, how many teens have credit card?.

#2.3 +Xerxes on 16 Sep 2008 - 21:44

(Magallanes said @ #2.2)

I think the real question is, how many don't? I'd wager not many. Anyone can get a credit card these days and with the Visa/Mastercard Debit cards it makes buying online even more accessible. Just my two cents, take with a grain of salt.

#2.4 JonathanMarston on 17 Sep 2008 - 01:32

You appear to be forgetting that with the Zune pass (which works with up to 3 Zunes/PCs) a parent could provide 3 family members unlimited access to millions of songs from any hot-spot for only $15/month - never needing to give a teenager access to a credit card.

To me, that's the #1 reason why Zune > iPod.

#2.5 Magallanes on 17 Sep 2008 - 13:22

(JonathanMarston said @ #2.4)

Really?, an all you can eat, sound pretty fine for young audience. May be zune is a "bit" sub hyped in comparison with ipod.

#2.6 Skyfrog on 17 Sep 2008 - 16:05

Do teenagers really hang out at McDonald's? I thought it was just soccer moms and middle aged fat people, the teenagers just work there.

(1 reply) #3 jgrodri on 16 Sep 2008 - 19:09

So, how is this better than Mcdonalds already offering free wi-fi in most of its places in europe?
I'm actually using it to write this

#3.1 FloatingFatMan on 17 Sep 2008 - 09:08

Was gonna mention this too. McD's have had free WiFi, at least at most of its EU restaurants, for absolutely ages!

(1 reply) #4 RangerLG on 16 Sep 2008 - 21:04

I have never been able to get on the wi-fi in McDonalds. None of the employees seem to know either when I ask them.

#4.1 RAID 0 on 18 Sep 2008 - 23:42

Aircrack? MAC address spoofing?

Just kidding, just kidding.

(3 replies) #5 shakey_snake on 16 Sep 2008 - 23:30

Zune guy eats at McDonalds.
iPod Touch/iPhone users get drinks at Starbucks.

I guess Microsoft's really winning the image battle.

#5.1 Airlink on 16 Sep 2008 - 23:48

Would you like fries with that Zune?

#5.2 Angel Blue01 on 17 Sep 2008 - 15:42

I'd rather get fries than a Zune.

#5.3 Doli on 18 Sep 2008 - 00:04

Starbucks coffee that cost around the same price as a McDs' Value meal

#6 Fedr0 on 16 Sep 2008 - 23:53

Healthy meals at McDonald's? LOL, that's the real joke.

#7 MightyJordan on 17 Sep 2008 - 10:13

Come on, Microsoft! We're in the 3rd generation of Zunes now, and in just under 2 years, the furthest they've reached outside of the US is Canada. Get the damn things in Europe!!!

(2 replies) #8 LaP on 17 Sep 2008 - 13:46

Good marketing move but that's all.

iPod and Zune both still suck there's better mp3 players for less money.

#8.1 JonathanMarston on 17 Sep 2008 - 16:06

Any suggestions?

#8.2 wst50 on 17 Sep 2008 - 17:16

(JonathanMarston said @ #8.1)

Any iRiver players.

#9 DigitalDude on 18 Sep 2008 - 06:54

There already is Mcdonald's around here (Charlotte) with free wifi, long before this. I think they also had this kind of deal going when the Nintendo DS first got wifi enabled games.

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