Today Microsoft has released a new version of the Zune PC Software bringing it up to version 4.7. The new software brings a few new features and most significantly adds support for the forthcoming Windows Phone 7 devices. This is ahead of press conferences being held around the world later today in which Microsoft is expected to announce Windows Phone 7’s availability and the devices that will be on sale at launch.
The new Zune software is now fully supported internationality. It brings features such as Smart DJ and Zune Pass access to users in all countries where Windows Phone 7 will be supported. Previously the Zune PC Software was only officially supported in the United States; it has taken Microsoft years to bring the full experience of their entertainment platform to other countries. It is now possible for people to access the “Zune Social” from the software and sign in using their Windows Live ID allowing them to keep track of what their friends are listening too and favourite specific artists and songs.
It is also possible to browse the Windows Phone 7 apps that are already in the Marketplace through the new Zune software. The marketplace is thought to launch with about 2000 apps with a lot more to follow soon after. There are already some Xbox Live games and most genres already have apps for sale or for free. Apparently there is also the obligatory “fart app” already in the marketplace.
Over the weekend new features were added to zune.net for people outside of the US however many things are still not working correctly on the website. Perhaps later today Microsoft will announce updates to the Zune website. Neowin will be covering the London Windows Phone 7 launch event later today and we will be live blogging all the announcements.
Users can get the latest version of the Zune software by updating their current Zune software in the settings menu. It is also possible to download the latest version Zune PC Software from Microsoft Download.