Today saw the release of the second generation of the Zune MP3 players as well as a new firmware patch for existing Zune customers. While the physical device of the new Zunes may be a bit different, what makes this release interesting is that the new firmware updated existing Zunes to have exactly the same functionality as the new units off of the shelf.

Today also saw the release of the new Zune marketplace software for the computer, replacing the old Windows Media Player 11 shell which integrated with MTV’s URGE (who has since switched partnerships to Rhapsody).

First thing this morning I got on my computer, uninstalled the current Zune software in preparation for the upgrade. When I went to the Zune website, to first delight (with may more to follow), the Zune software now supports the x64 Windows platform … natively. Good job, Microsoft. You’re pushing things forward. But what about the software itself?

I executed the x64 installer. Already the UI was looking clean and efficient. The installer checked for updates, installed the necessary Zune drivers, and then installed the software quite seamlessly. Once again, I was impressed. The installer then proceeded to launch the actual Zune software which asked me to enter my existing Zune Social account (Windows Live ID) or create a new one. I entered my existing information, and now it was off to configure the Zune device. I docked it up, and just that fast I was installing the Zune 2.2 firmware to the device. A few seconds later, my device was fully connected, updated, and presenting me with the wonderful new menu system.

But here’s the real thing. Once I got into my library (which was already pre-recognized), the interface was like nothing else I’d seen before. The default font? It’s called “Zegoe” and it’s a version of the Segoe and Calibri typefaces. I don’t need anything else to fall in love with it. The UI is completely seamless. Selecting artists, albums, and songs provide beautiful transitions that makes me feel like I’m inside of a Flash or Silverlight application.

The marketplace loads literally 10 times faster than it did in the old software. The organization of the new albums and genres is fantastic. The search feature is literally instant and allows you to find exactly what you want immediately. There’s no sharp edges, there’s no slow loads. There’s no fast transitions without fade effects. The whole UI experience is better than any Windows application that I’ve ever used. I wish I was exaggerating but I’m not. It’s that good.

The only issue I have with the software is this: It’s memory intensive. On first launch, the Zune software uses approximately 85MB. That’s without touching anything or any music playing. That’s a lot for an application. However, the upside to this is, as I have said, there is absolutely zero lag time. Now, granted, I have a decent machine which can handle just about anything you throw at it, but even the old software lagged significantly on this machine, both on the x86 platform and the x64 platform. Not the new software.

Podcast support is another big addition to the software. RSS feed subscription is integrated as well. The best part about this is that you don’t need any Zune-specific feed like you do with iTunes (which needs special iTunes tags, etc). If someone has a podcast feed going through, say, FeedBurner, it’ll work with the Zune. It’s really that simple and I wouldn’t be surprised if more and more bloggers and podcast creators start supporting the new Zune over the iPod.

The device, while boasting only a few major upgrades, is quite a nice firmware update as well. The biggest feature is wireless syncing. The old devices (which I have) had built in WiFi, but up until now you couldn’t use this for anything other than connecting with other Zunes. However, this new firmware update allows you to sync your music library to your device … wirelessly. Just setup your wireless router’s information in the Zune software, pass it to the device, and you’re off. Updates come automatically and there’s no need for cords ever again unless you need to charge the unit. I was conviced that this would have been very “techy” to set up, but to my surprise, it was extremely easy and straigtforward.

In conclusion, I have practically nothing but kudos to give to Microsoft’s Zune team for this update. It’s great.

Tags: zune, microsoft, mp3 player, ipod