Today is a big day for Microsoft, the technology world and Zuners like yourself – it’s the release day for Zune HD & Zune Software 4.0 which are now both available, as well as an update to the whole Zune Social. This is seen as Microsoft’s big move, alongside Windows Seven which will probably make or break the Zune brand. I’m not going to bore you with a massive opening article about new features and the like – so instead I’m going to outline a few things below in bullet points and will eventually link to full appropriate articles for each (as and when they are made).

• Zune HD has been released through stores and Zune Originals (available in 4 Colours plus black and platinum).
• Applications are confirmed and available in the Zune Marketplace.
• Zune HD Games are also official, including:
  • “Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition”
  • “Vans Sk8: Pool Service”
  • “Audiosurf(TM) Tilt”
• Quickplay has been totally redone and is now the landing page on the Zune Software.
• SmartDJ takes an artist and similiar songs to create an amazing playlist.
• You can now rent HD Videos / Movies in the Zune Marketplace.
• Zune.net has been updated, now Zune Pass subscribers can listen online
• Online Social (Zune.net) is now using Silverlight and looks stunning.
• The Zune Software on a whole is much snappier and uses less RAM.
• It has also been updated for Windows 7, with jump lists and a taskbar control, as well as ‘Mini Mode‘.

Personally, I’m loving all the updates – Zune.net is way more visually pleasing, much more functional and generally brings the Zune experience online. The new Mini Mode is also pretty cool, as is the updated Now Playing screen & Marketplace. I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on a Zune HD to try out some of these apps such as a Twitter client and Weather and I’m hoping the games are great too, which they should, since they are running on Nvidia Tegra.

Unfortunately I’m not a fan of the Zune Software ‘Collection’ update which uses ridiculously small album art compared to Zune Software 3 and I’m not really liking the new use of fonts either – but these are all hackable and therefore I can sort that shortly.

Enough of me, what are you views?
Edit - I’ve just noticed that they’ve implemented the Aero Snap features into the new Zune Software which is awesome, since its one of my most used Windows 7 features on my large monitor. Thanks Microsoft

Edit 2 – Forgot to mention this in the last edit – Zune Software now has Full screen which, quite frankly, is awesome. Whether I’ve been watching podcasts in the software or have a party and like to leave the now playing window open, I’ve always had to “Auto-hide” my taskbar – now you can full screen.