Zune Service goes international, but not the Device

[Shayla]

Microsoft will make Zune available to international users on markets outside of the United States starting today, November 19th, 2009. However, this is valid only for the Redmond company?s Zune-branded service and not for the actual digital media players. The software giant launched its own devices designed to tackle the iPod and climb to the second position on the digital media player market behind Apple in the second half of 2006.

On November 19th, members of the Xbox LIVE community worldwide will be able to access not only social networking hotspots such as Facebook, Twitter, but also Last.fm and Zune video, which is set up to offer instant-on HD on Xbox 360 consoles. In this manner, the Redmond company is making another step forward with its vision to expand the Zune service beyond the Zune devices, to PCs, mobile phones, and TVs, as a part of its comprehensive strategy aiming to connect the three main screens customers use today.

?Zune video on Xbox LIVE offers a full-fidelity experience with instant-on HD in 1080p and 5.1 channel surround sound. No waiting for downloads or buffering, it?s there at the press of a button. You can also share the experience with up to seven friends through voice chat and Avatar integration on the TV screen ? it puts a whole new spin on movie night,? Microsoft noted.

Christine Heckart, general manager for TV, video and music marketing at Microsoft, noted that the Zune service would be offered to Xbox LIVE customers in no less than 18 new markets, such as UK, France, Germany and Australia.

More information here

Full story on Softpedia

Edited November 18, 2009 by Antaris
Updated title.

[Antaris Veteran]

The title is a bit misleading (I know its from the source), should really say "Zune Service goes International, but not the Device"? or some derivative of that.

[Shayla]

The title is a bit misleading (I know its from the source), should really say "Zune Service goes International, but not the Device"? or some derivative of that.

Can you fix that title for me?Thx

[Antaris Veteran]

There ya go :)

[strelok1911]

So I'll be able to buy Zune Pass in Europe?

OMG YAAAAAAY!

*being ultra excited*

[t0mbi]

Finally!

[Prince Charming]

This is still hugely misleading, as demonstrated excellently by the previous posters. The Zune Video Service has gone international in multiple countries. There's a stark difference between the Zune Video service and the full Zune Service, which comprises the Marketplace with Music, Zune Pass etc. This is also why the Zune devices have not gone international - they can't launch in various countries until MS can iron out the various licensing issues, and have the full Zune Music service available. Remember, the Zune is a platform and experience as a whole. No marketplace, no device, no Zune. This is just a Zune branded video-store to promote the Zune name internationally.