Zune Marketplace
last updated on November 1, 2008
What is Zune Marketplace?
The Zune Marketplace is a online store designed and specially integrated into both the Zune device and the Zune software. Launched along side the player that also carries the Zune name, it is part of the closed ecosystem that helps support the Zune brand from Microsoft.
Why is Zune Marketplace Important?
As we have said with the Zune player the reason why Zune Marketplace is important is because of choice. Before ZM one had to choose between either Apple’s dominant iTunes Store or smaller less organized stores that use the PlayForSure format. With the Fall update the Zune Team takes this even further offering up unprotected copies of your favorite songs for purchase and use with any portable media player (except iPods).
Where can I visit the Zune Marketplace?
The only method of visiting ZM is via the Zune software. If your interested in downloading the Zune software you can do so at Zune.net
Can you explain the Microsoft points system?
You can buy one song on Microsoft’s Zune Marketplace for a cost of 99 cents (US) or 79 points. Simply put 79 points equals 99 American cents.
How can I purchase music and TV shows through Zune Marketplace?
Once you’ve loaded and installed the Zune software click on the marketplace text. To buy a song directly you’ll have to purchase points. Remember one song equals 99 cents and 79 points. To avoid using your credit card simply head to the nearest participating retailer and purchase a prepaid card.
What else can I purchase with my Points?
Not only can you use points to purchase content from Zune Marketplace but you can also redeem them at the Xbox Live Marketplace or any other internet retailer who uses the points system online.
What about Zune Pass?
The concept of subscriptions was not lost on the developers of the Zune. With Zune pass you can access all the songs available on the marketplace. Zune pass will run you about $14.99 a month. As long as you keep your account current you can listen as much as you want your PC using the Zune software and on your Zune player. Having Zune Pass will not allow you to burn songs you downloaded using Zune pass to a compact disc.
Specifics of Zune Marketplace
What DRM does it support? The marketplace has it’s own DRM that will only allow it to play on PCs or a Zune device. You can also buy unprotected MP3s for use on Zune and other digital music players.
What formats are available? You are only able to download music in the protected WMA format or MP3s in unprotected formats for certain artists. All videos are available in MP4 format.
What media is available for download? Currently only music, music videos, and podcasts are available for download.
What platforms is the marketplace available? The marketplace will only function on Windows based PCs.
How much? You can purchase a song for 99 cents or 79 points (see description of points). A subscription that allows you to download as much as you want is $14.99 a month. TV shows will set you back 160 Microsoft points or 2 dollars an episode. There are also special prices for entire seasons of TV shows.
